L22: From Neutrality to War

What started the fighting in the Balkans between Austria-Hungary and Serbia?

• A terrorist trained by a Serbian group killed Franz and Sophie Ferdinand.

• The Serbian military invaded and attacked the entire Ferdinand family.

• Franz Ferdinand placed an embargo on the Austria-Hungary Empire.

• Serbia refused to sign a peace treaty that Franz Ferdinand proposed.

Which of the following was NOT a contributing factor to the outbreak of war in Europe in 1914?

• a policy of militarism

• a complex system of alliances

• a growing sense of nationalism

• a shift in public opinion toward isolationism

Read the quotation below from President Woodrow Wilson's message to Congress in 1914. What was the president asking the nation to do? The United States must, ... during these days that are to try men's souls, ... be impartial in thought, as well as action, must put a curb upon our sentiments, as well as upon every transaction that might be construed as a preference of one party to the struggle before another.

• adopt a policy of neutrality

• make the world safe for democracy

• offer loans and sell supplies to their allies

• compete for trade and territory with their enemies

How did Germany's U-boats violate international law?

• A. by disguising themselves with flags of neutral nations

• B. by stopping vital supplies from reaching the front lines

• C. by attacking merchant ships without letting passengers flee to safety

• D. by conducting surprise searches of merchant ships in neutral waters

How did President Wilson respond to the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915?

• by demanding that Germany stop unrestricted submarine warfare

• by calling on Congress to approve a declaration of war against Germany

• by sending navy ships to patrol Atlantic waters and sink any U-boats they found

• by warning American citizens that they traveled on foreign ships at their own risk

Which of these statements is a way in which other countries besides the United States tried to gain support during the war?

• They attacked any opposing countries.

• They launched propaganda campaigns.

• They promised tax-free imports to allies.

• They refused to trade with any neutral nations.

In the Zimmermann note, what did Germany promise Mexico in return for its support during World War I?

• Germany would cede territory in Africa to Mexico.

• Germany would not attack Mexican merchant ships.

• Germany would help Mexico regain territory in the United States.

• Germany would loan Mexico money to jump-start its economy.

When Congress voted in 1917, it was determined that the United States would declare war on

• Serbia.

• Mexico.

• Russia.

• Germany.

Which of the following was a reason why many Americans were initially pleased by President Wilson’s policy of neutrality?

• They preferred to focus on matters taking place at home rather than going overseas to fight in a war.

• They believed that staying neutral provided opportunities for the country to recover from economic downturn.

• They thought that getting involved in these foreign affairs would be an unwise way of overstepping alliances.

• They trusted President Wilson’s judgment, and they believed he was making decisions in the country’s best interest.

When the United Kingdom enacted a blockade on ships headed for Germany and stopped neutral American ships, what contributed to President Wilson’s hesitancy to take action against the British?

• The United States had strong economic ties with the UK and benefitted from loaning money to the Allies.

• President Wilson feared that if he threatened the British, they would force the United States to join the Allies.

• The UK had a stronger fleet of ships than the United States, and Wilson did not want to provoke the British any further.

• Wilson did not think the situation would escalate, so he believed it would be wiser to maintain a good relationship with the UK.