DTW GED PREP

World War I, which began in 1914, was a pivotal moment in world history and marked the United States’ first significant involvement in global affairs. Initially, the war was a territorial conflict among European powers, with two main alliances: the Central Powers, which included Austria-Hungary and Germany, and the Allied Powers, which consisted of Britain, France, and Russia. The conflict was rooted in longstanding rivalries, territorial disputes, and the complex system of alliances between European nations. Although the United States initially adopted a policy of neutrality, it soon became involved in the conflict in a significant way.

By 1916, the United States had been providing financial and military support to the Allied Powers, supplying them with money and arms. However, it was not until 1917, after several provocations, including the sinking of American merchant ships by German submarines and the interception of the Zimmermann Telegram (in which Germany proposed a military alliance with Mexico against the United States), that President Woodrow Wilson decided to ask Congress to declare war on Germany. This marked the United States’ formal entry into World War I. Despite entering the war relatively late, U.S. troops played a critical role in tipping the balance in favor of the Allies, and by November 1918, the Central Powers had surrendered.

The United States’ involvement in the war, although brief compared to the European nations, had significant consequences. The U.S. was treated as an equal partner at the post-war peace conference in Versailles, marking the first time a non-European nation had a prominent role in shaping the peace settlement of a European conflict. This was a reflection of the United States’ newfound status as a military and economic power, as the country emerged from the war in a much stronger position than the war-weary European nations. The European powers had suffered immense losses in terms of both human lives and infrastructure, whereas the United States had relatively little damage on its soil and had strengthened its military and economic capabilities during the conflict.

One of the key goals of President Wilson was the establishment of the League of Nations, an international organization designed to resolve conflicts through diplomacy rather than war. Wilson believed that the League could prevent future wars by providing a platform for countries to settle their differences peacefully. However, despite his advocacy, the United States ultimately did not join the League of Nations. The U.S. Senate, concerned about the potential for entanglement in future conflicts and a loss of sovereignty, voted against joining the organization. Ironically, Wilson’s vision of a peaceful international order was realized, but without American participation, which significantly weakened the effectiveness of the League in its early years.

World War I was a turning point for the United States, as it marked the country’s emergence as a major global power, both militarily and economically. The war’s aftermath, however, also highlighted the complexities of international diplomacy and the challenges the U.S. would face in balancing its role in world affairs with its desire to maintain national autonomy and avoid becoming entangled in future European conflicts.

WORLD WAR I

 Directions: Choose the best answer to each of the following questions.

 Questions 1 and 2 are based on the following political cartoon from 1919

 commenting on the formation of the League of Nations. The sign reads

 “This League of Nations Bridge was designed by the President of the

 U.S.A.”

1.  In the cartoon, the reclining figure, representing the United States, can best be described as

 A.   indifferent.

 B.   eager.

 C.   angry.

 D.   ashamed.

 2.  The artist of this cartoon is suggesting that the League of Nations

 A.   has too many members and does not need the United States.

 B.   will be headquartered in England and Italy rather than in Belgium and France.

 C.   will not be successful without the United States as a member.

 D.   needs to build a bridge from France to England.

1. Correct Answer: ✅ A. indifferent
Explanation: The reclining figure representing the United States appears relaxed and unconcerned, implying indifference toward the League of Nations, even though the bridge (League) was designed by the U.S. President (Woodrow Wilson). This reflects how the U.S. ultimately chose not to join the League despite Wilson’s efforts.

2. Correct Answer: ✅ C. will not be successful without the United States as a member
Explanation: The cartoon suggests that the League of Nations is incomplete or unstable without U.S. participation. Since the U.S. is not actively engaged (as seen by its indifferent posture), the cartoonist is criticizing or warning that the League may fail without the involvement of the country that originally proposed it.