Unit 9 Test: WW1 to the Great Depression
1) What caused American entry into World War I, and how did Wilson turn the war into an ideological crusade? A: Although America did not want to enter WW1, once German submarines sunk the American ship Lusetania, it killed American sailors. Instead of his original idea to spread peace, Wilson now wanted revenge. In his war message to Congress, he said that if America did not act quickly, the Western hemisphere's ideals would be destroyed by German's beliefs. Then, he referred to WW1 as the "war to end all wars". He hoped that countries would never just go to their weapons whenever there was a disagreement. Wilson wanted the League of Nations to resolve any problems countries had before they went to war with each other. Americans supported Wilson's ideals because he was trying to keep the world safe and democratic.
2) Do you agree that the primary responsibility for the failure of America to join the League of Nations lies with President Wilson rather than with his opponents? A: It would be his opponents in Congress' fault because it was their decision to not ratify the Treaty of Versailles. They also didn't want to send soldiers that they could lose for other countries. They didn't want other world powers trying to rule their country. Congress thought joining the League of Nations would threaten their independence. Wilson wanted to join the League of Nations, but due to Congress' dislike of the Treaty of Versailles, America did not join.
3) How did some events of the 1920's reflect national conflicts over social, cultural, and religious values?
A: The trial of Sacco and Vanzetti proved that America had a fear of foreigners and anyone who shared political differences not shared by the majority of people. Sacco and Vanzetti were foreign Italian anarchists who were unfairly changed and executed. The Scopes trial showed that Americans did not want any religious change and believed that