World War I Quiz

What event primarily motivated President Woodrow Wilson to request a declaration of war against Germany in 1917?

• The sinking of an unarmed French boat, the Sussex

• Germany's violation of its pledge to suspend unrestricted submarine warfare

• An alliance between Mexico and Germany against the United States

• The German attack on American soil

What was the "Sussex pledge"?

• A promise by the United States to enter World War I

• An agreement between France and Germany to cease hostilities

• A commitment by Germany to refrain from attacking passenger ships without warning

• A treaty between the United States and Britain for financial assistance

On what date did the U.S. Senate vote to support the measure to declare war on Germany?

• April 2, 1917

• April 4, 1917

• December 7, 1917

• May 4, 1916

Which country did the United States declare war on after Germany, and on what date?

• Mexico on April 2, 1917

• Austria-Hungary on December 7, 1917

• France on March 16, 1916

• Britain on May 4, 1916

Who was the German Chancellor who protested the decision to resume unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917?

• Kaiser Wilhelm II

• Woodrow Wilson

• Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg

• A representative from the German Navy

On what date did German Ambassador to the United States Count Johann von Bernstorff present the U.S. Secretary of State with a note declaring Germany's intention to restart unrestricted submarine warfare?

• February 3, 1917

• January 31, 1917

• January 19, 1917

• January 26, 1917

What action did President Wilson take on February 26, 1917, in response to the submarine issue?

• He severed diplomatic relations with Germany.

• He asked Congress for the authority to arm U.S. merchant ships.

• He declared war on Germany.

• He signed an executive order to attack German submarines.

What was the content of the "Zimmermann Telegram"?

• It was a declaration of war from Germany to the United States.

• It was a secret alliance proposal from Germany to Mexico.

• It was a peace treaty proposal from Germany to the United States.

• It was an announcement of unrestricted submarine warfare from Germany to the United States.

Which law did President Wilson cite to arm U.S. merchant ships by executive order?

• The Freedom of Navigation Act

• The Anti-Piracy Act

• The Neutrality Act

• An old anti-piracy law

What was President Wilson's initial stance on declaring war after Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare?

• He immediately declared war.

• He severed diplomatic relations with Germany.

• He was doubtful that the U.S. public would support war without proof of German intentions.

• He armed U.S. merchant ships without Congress's approval.