Global Ambitions: US Imperialism & WWI
US Imperialism and WWI examines America’s growing global influence at the turn of the 20th century and its involvement in World War I, spanning the 1890s to 1919. It covers the expansion of U.S. territory and influence through imperialism, the causes and effects of America’s entry into WWI, and the war’s impact on the nation’s role as a world power.
Timeline of US Imperialism & WWI
This section outlines the key phases of U.S. imperialism and World War I. Here’s the breakdown:
- Rise of US Imperialism (1890s-1900s): Expansion of U.S. influence through territorial acquisitions.
- Prelude to WWI (1914-1917): Events leading to America’s entry into the global conflict.
- US in WWI (1917-1918): America’s role in the war and its contributions to the Allied victory.
- Post-War Impact (1919): Consequences of WWI on U.S. foreign policy and global standing.
Key Figures and Events
This section highlights the main individuals and pivotal moments that shaped this era:
- Theodore Roosevelt (1898-1909): Promoted imperialism, led during the Spanish-American War.
- Spanish-American War (1898): U.S. victory gained territories like Puerto Rico and the Philippines.
- Woodrow Wilson (1917-1918): U.S. President, led the country into WWI, proposed the Fourteen Points.
- Sinking of the Lusitania (1915): German U-boat attack killed 128 Americans, turning public opinion.
- Treaty of Versailles (1919): Ended WWI, though the U.S. Senate rejected it.
- Zimmermann Telegram (1917): Intercepted message from Germany to Mexico, pushing U.S. into the war.
Examples of US Imperialism & WWI
Rise of US Imperialism (1890s-1900s) Examples
- The annexation of Hawaii in 1898 made it a U.S. territory after American planters overthrew the monarchy.
- The Panama Canal, started in 1904, was built to connect the Atlantic and Pacific, boosting trade.
- The Philippines rebelled against U.S. control after 1898, leading to the Philippine-American War.
Prelude to WWI (1914-1917) Examples
- The U.S. initially stayed neutral, trading with both Allies and Central Powers.
- German unrestricted submarine warfare sank U.S. ships, escalating tensions.
- The Zimmermann Telegram proposed a German-Mexican alliance, alarming the U.S.
US in WWI (1917-1918) Examples
- The U.S. declared war on Germany in April 1917 after submarine attacks.
- American troops, known as “doughboys,” helped turn the tide at the Battle of Cantigny in 1918.
- Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points in 1918 outlined a vision for peace, including the League of Nations.
Post-War Impact (1919) Examples
- The U.S. emerged as a global power but rejected the League of Nations.
- The Red Scare of 1919 led to fear of communism, impacting domestic policies.
- Women’s roles expanded during the war, contributing to the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.