Chapter 25: America And The Great War

Front 1

Francisco ("Pancho") Villa

Back 1

Leader of a wild gang of Mexican bandits that oppose the new government as well as American imperialism. Their opposition caused the Civil War in Mexico, and eventually American interference after the gang leader purposely targeted Americans to provoke them.

Front 2

Dollar Diplomacy

Back 2

A practice during the Taft administration that aided debt plagued governments in the Caribbean. Wilson on the other hand preferree military presence that caused Latin American resentment.

Front 3

Lusitania

Back 3

Attempts for the US to remain neutral were squandered after a German torpedo sunk I ship carrying 128 Americans. Public outrage soared and even Wilson's reluctance could not impede inevitable American participation in the war.

Front 4

Sussex Pledge

Back 4

Germany's assurance that it would no longer torpedo merchant and passenger ships in an effort to preserve US relations. The Sussex Pledge implied virtual abandonment of submarine warfare.

Front 5

Zimmermann Telegram

Back 5

A letter from Germany's foreign ambassador to Mexico, offering alliance and financial aid in the event of war with the United States. Germany's promise to gain Mexico the lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona caused public outrage that would bring the neutral nation to war.

Front 6

Liberty Bonds

Back 6

Money given to American allies through the Liberty Loan Act. France and Britain were in desperate need of supplies which the US helped them purchase with Liberty Bonds.

Front 7

Selective Service Act

Back 7

A military draft calling for all 21 to 30 year old men to join the US military. The draft brought millions of Americans into Europe to join the fight.

Front 8

War Industries Board

Back 8

A mobilization agency that contributed economically, organizing government needs with industrial production. They managed the war's need for raw materials, realizing how important the homefront support is.

Front 9

Committee on Public Information

Back 9

A committee created by President Wilson to promote war goals and influence public opinion through propaganda. The group promoted through cartoons, images, movies, and other visual means including the film The Beast of Berlin.

Front 10

Espionage, Sabotage, and Sedition Acts

Back 10

Acts past to suppress criticism of government leaders and war policies. They outlined severe penalties for anyone that aided the enemy whether through inciting a revolt or contradicting government need for a supportive and productive economy.

Front 11

Fourteen Points

Back 11

President Wilson's Peace program, proposed to end World War I and promote a lasting peace. It called for open diplomacy, freedom of seas, removal of trade barriers, an independent Poland, and the League of Nations, among others.

Front 12

League of Nations

Back 12

Proposed as the final request in Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points. The league would protect global peace.

Front 13

Henry Cabot Lodge

Back 13

Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and critic of Wilson's League of Nations proposal. He organized Republican senators to block ratification of the idea because of its perceived naïve idealism.

Front 14

"Irreconcilables"

Back 14

A group of senators that refused to join the League of Nations. Their opposition to foreign relations caused the U.S. to not enter the league, and Wilson's plan to fail.

Front 15

Red Scare

Back 15

The fear of communist revolt, similar to that of the Bolsheviks in Russia, in America post World War I. The panic included bombings of prominent figures, race riots, and labor strikes that spurred a feeling of a hundred percent Americanism as the paranoia died off.