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CLEAR TARGET: Identify the four main causes of World War One and explain the reasons for U.S. neutrality.
BACKGROUND
In the years leading up to World War One, many European countries were competing against one another in order to make their countries great. Countries who had been at war against one another in the late 1800s already had a sense of animosity towards the other leading up to WWI. Countries at odds with other countries made alliances with those that shared common goals and had common enemies. Imperialist competition between European powers in the 1800s had strained relationships as well. Finally, there was a growing sense of nationalism in European countries leading up to WWI. Everyone thought their country was number one...and were eager to prove it.
TASK #1: Study Graphic Organizer
The graphic organizer below outlines the four main causes of World War One. As you can see, the first letter of each cause is highlighted. This is to bring your attention to an easy way to remember the four causes of WWI: M-A-I-N. By remembering the acronym M-A-I-N, you should be able to remember each cause of WWI: Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism. So please, remember MAIN and what word is attached to each letter in the acronym. Please study the graphic organizer until you can correctly remember the four causes of WWI. We will go into further detail on each cause in the next lesson.
REMEMBER MAIN!
TASK #2: Practice
Now, practice by drawing a graphic organizer similar to the one in Task #1 but with blank squares. See if you can correctly list the four MAIN causes of WWI. Once you think you are able to remember them correctly, click on the graphic organizer for a short quiz. Come back and look at the graphic organizer to check your work. Then, move on to Task #3.
TASK #3: Familiarization: Why did the U.S. maintain a neutrality policy prior and during much of WWI?
In the period leading up to WWI, the United States was undergoing a period of imperialism and industrial expansion. The U.S. was doing well for the most part and no one wanted to get involved in European affairs, especially since many Americans had immigrated from Europe to begin with. Once the war broke out, the U.S. was a major supplier of materials and goods to both sides at first, and then mainly in support of the Allied Powers. The U.S. was divided into two camps: Isolationists and Interventionists. Here are examples of the two camps' mindsets:
Interventionists' Views:
“Britain is our ally and we should help them out.” “Germany is too aggressive and acting like a bully; they must be stopped. Look what they did to Belgium!” (Note: Germany had invaded Belgium on their way to France and reports of atrocities by the Germans were used to fuel anti-German sentiment among the Allies and the U.S.) |
As you can see, this division was partly why the U.S. was keeping a neutral stance in WWI. Another reason was President Woodrow Wilson advocated neutrality. He even ran on the platform of "he kept us out of war" in his reelection campaign in 1916. Wilson did not want to tarnish his reputation as the man who kept America at peace. However, in the first few months of his second term Wilson and much of the The U.S. came to realize that involvement in WWI was inevitable.
Another reason for neutrality during WWI was economics. U.S. farmers and businesses were making money off of supplying the combatants. U.S. farmers were finally doing well at this time due to the need for food overseas - European farmland had been turned into battlegrounds. Ships bound for Europe were filled with supplies and merchandise. When Germany made the decision to attack ships bound for England with its feared U-boats, American opinion swayed against the Germans after the loss of American lives and business profits began to mount.
Another reason for neutrality during WWI was economics. U.S. farmers and businesses were making money off of supplying the combatants. U.S. farmers were finally doing well at this time due to the need for food overseas - European farmland had been turned into battlegrounds. Ships bound for Europe were filled with supplies and merchandise. When Germany made the decision to attack ships bound for England with its feared U-boats, American opinion swayed against the Germans after the loss of American lives and business profits began to mount.
Task #4: Critical Thinking
What was the most compelling reason for the U.S. to stay neutral in WWI? Use the internet to research and write a free-response answer with supporting details. Share/email this lesson's Google Doc when you finish.
Wrapping it up:
The four MAIN causes of WWI are in the acronym MAIN: Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism. The U.S. maintained a policy of neutrality as many people were very isolationist and did not want to get involved in messy European affairs. The economy was another reason to stay out. The U.S. could make money by supplying the combatants in WWI without the hardships of war on their soil or their people.
Next up: The "M" in Main.
Next up: The "M" in Main.