Introduction
The Great War, as it was called at the time, was the deadliest conflict ever, prior to the Second World War. The United States, at first declaring neutrality, did not militarily enter the war until it was well into its third year (1917), as it did so on the side of the Allies. During those final 19 months of the war, the United States suffered over 320,000 casualties before victory over the Central Powers was declared.
Task
You will discover how the policies passed by our government during the First World War affected Americans at home as well as the world at large.
Process
After watching the Crash Course videos regarding Battlefields and America’s involvement, you will answer each question by searching from a metasearch such as Dogpile or Unabot or a search engine/directory such as DuckDuckGo, Google or Bing. Be sure to answer each in complete and grammatically correct sentences in your own words.
1. Define a conscientious objector.
2. Explain the purpose of the Committee on Public Information.
3. Explain the purpose of Selective Service Act of 1917.
4. Explain the purpose of the Espionage Act of 1917.
5. Explain the purpose of the Sedition Act of 1918.
6. Explain the purpose of the War Industries Board
7. Explain the purpose of the Washington Naval Conference.
8. Explain the general purpose of President Wilson’s Fourteen Points.
9. Explain the general purpose of the League of Nations.
10. Explain the purpose of the Kellogg-Briand Pact.
- EXTRA CREDIT: Explain what occurred (including why) during the “Christmas Truce” of 1914.
Conclusion
Despite the United States neutral declaration during the first three years of the Great War, our nation would be drawn into the deadliest war in human history, at least until nations sought revenge for their plight and the Second World War would rage two decades later.