Chapter 12 - The United States in WWI (SSUSH15)

SSUSH 15b - Which sentence BEST describes the experiences of the African-American soldiers during World War I?

• They were unable to engage in combat because of racial prejudice

• They successfully persuaded the government to desegregate the army

• They were segregated but many engaged in combat under French command

• They were treated as equals with ample opportunity for advancement through the ranks

Answer explanation

African-American soldiers were indeed segregated during World War I, but many served bravely in combat, often under French command, highlighting their contributions despite the racial barriers they faced.

SSUSH 15c - Why did the US Senate refuse to ratify the Treaty of Versailles in 1919?

• Senators opposed the severe sanctions that the Treaty placed on Germany

• Senators feared the League of Nations would involve the United States in foreign wars

• Senators felt the League of Nations would interfere with American plans in the Philippines

• Senators predicted that membership in the new League of Nations would be too expensive

Answer explanation

Senators opposed the severe sanctions that the Treaty placed on Germany, fearing it would destabilize Europe and lead to future conflicts, which contributed to their refusal to ratify the Treaty of Versailles.

SSUSH15a: Use the excerpt below to answer the question.

What was the impact of the publication of this letter?

• Mexico allied with Germany in World War I

• American public opinion was outraged against Germany

• The United States Senate immediately declared war on Mexico

• The United States paid Mexico compensation for its lost territories

Answer explanation

The publication of the letter, which revealed Germany's attempts to incite Mexico against the U.S., fueled outrage among the American public, leading to increased support for entering World War I against Germany.

SSUSH15a: The cartoon on the left was published on February 1, 1917. The letter from Germany to Uncle Sam reads: Ruthless warfare at sea. Ships enter blockade zone at their risk. Pledges as to warnings cancelled.

What was the impact of the message shown in this cartoon?

• The United States declared war after the USS Maine was blown up in Havana Harbor

• The United States declared war after Germany sank American ships in the blockaded zone

• Mexicans allied with Germany after learning of this new policy

• Germany announced it would not attack passenger ships or merchant ships without warning

Answer explanation

The cartoon reflects Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, which led to the sinking of American ships in the blockaded zone. This aggressive policy prompted the United States to declare war on Germany.

SSUSH 15c - Which was NOT one of President Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points?

• creation of an independent Poland

• preserving the integrity of the Ottoman Empire

• creation of a peace-keeping association of nations

• autonomous development for the peoples of Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire

Answer explanation

President Wilson's Fourteen Points aimed to promote self-determination and peace. Preserving the integrity of the Ottoman Empire contradicts this goal, as it would deny autonomy to its diverse peoples.

SSUSH 15b - Which BEST describes how American women reacted to US entry into World War I?

• Most supported the war effort and many filled men's jobs

• Because of a shortage of enlisted men, many women served in combat for the first time

• Women's continuing protests for women's suffrage dangerously impeded the war effort

• Large numbers of women were forced to move from their homes to meet wartime needs

Answer explanation

Most American women supported the war effort during World War I, stepping into roles traditionally held by men who were away fighting. This involvement was crucial for the economy and the war effort.

SSUSH 15b - How was the Socialist Eugene Debs treated after giving an anti-war speech in Ohio?

• He was elected to the US Senate

• He was arrested for violating the Espionage Act

• He was invited to speak with President Wilson at the White House

• He was recruited to work for the Committee of Public Information

Answer explanation

Eugene Debs was arrested for violating the Espionage Act after delivering an anti-war speech in Ohio, highlighting the government's crackdown on dissent during World War I.

SSUSH15c: Read the excerpt to answer the question.

Why did many US Senators object to this article?

• They had plans to seize new overseas territories for the United States

• They were afraid that the League would be controlled by hostile powers

• They feared Americans would be required to act against aggression in Europe

• They thought it demanded that American grant Philippine Independence

Answer explanation

Many US Senators objected because they feared that joining the League of Nations would obligate Americans to intervene in European conflicts, potentially dragging the nation into unwanted wars.

SSUSH 15b - How did the role of women in the workforce change during World War I?

• Women were restricted to volunteer work only

• Women took on jobs traditionally held by men

• Women were not allowed to work in factories

• Women were primarily involved in combat roles

Answer explanation

During World War I, many women entered the workforce and took on jobs traditionally held by men, as men were away fighting. This shift marked a significant change in gender roles in the labor market.

SSUSH 15a - What was the significance of the Zimmermann Telegram during World War I?

• It was a key factor in the United States entering the war

• It resulted in Mexico declaring war on the United States

• It led to the United States forming an alliance with Germany

• It caused a diplomatic rift between Germany and Austria-Hungary

Answer explanation

The Zimmermann Telegram was a secret communication from Germany proposing a military alliance with Mexico against the U.S. Its interception and publication outraged Americans, significantly contributing to the U.S. decision to enter World War I.