Question 1: When did the United States officially declare war on Germany?

Answer: April 6, 1917

Question 2: Name one key event that pushed the US to enter WWI.

Answer: The sinking of the Lusitania or the Zimmermann Telegram

Question 3: Which president was in office during US entry into WWI?

Answer: Woodrow Wilson

Question 4: Briefly explain why economic interests influenced US decision to join WWI.

Answer: The US had strong economic ties with Allied powers, and they wanted to protect their financial investments and trade relationships.

Question 5: What was the main purpose of the Zimmermann Telegram?

Answer: It was a secret message from Germany to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the US.

Question 1: Source: 'The United States must join the war to protect democracy and our national security.' What can you infer about the purpose of this statement?

Answer: The purpose is to justify US involvement in WWI by appealing to patriotism and safeguarding democracy.

Question 2: Who was the likely audience for this source?

Answer: American citizens and policymakers, to garner support for the war.

Question 3: Evaluate the reliability of this source. What biases might it have?

Answer: It is likely a government or pro-war propaganda source, which may overemphasize threats to justify entry into war.

Question 4: Source: 'The Lusitania was attacked by German U-boats, resulting in American deaths.' What does this source tell us about US sentiments before entry?

Answer: It shows that the attack increased American outrage and sympathy towards the Allies, influencing the decision to enter the war.

Question 1: Explain why the sinking of the Lusitania influenced US decision to join WWI.

Answer: The sinking of the Lusitania, which resulted in American deaths, heightened public outrage and pressure on the government to take action against Germany, contributing to the decision to enter the war.

Question 2: Describe how economic interests and diplomatic considerations affected US neutrality and eventual involvement.

Answer: Economic ties with the Allies and diplomatic efforts to maintain neutrality were challenged by German threats and provocations, leading the US to eventually support the Allies and declare war.

Question 3: Explain the significance of US entry into WWI for the outcome of the war.

Answer: US involvement provided fresh troops, resources, and morale boost for the Allies, which was crucial in tipping the balance towards victory and shaping post-war peace negotiations.

Question 1: To what extent was economic interest the main reason for US entry into WWI? (8-12 marks)

Answer: A balanced response should consider economic interests, such as trade and investments with Allied countries, alongside other factors like national security, ideological reasons, and diplomatic provocations. A strong answer would discuss how economic interests significantly influenced policy, but also acknowledge other causes like the Zimmermann Telegram and Lusitania sinking.

Question 2: How far do you agree that the sinking of the Lusitania was the most important factor in US entry into WWI?

Answer: A well-argued answer would evaluate the significance of Lusitania in shaping public opinion and policy, while also considering other factors like economic ties, ideological support for democracy, and the Zimmermann Telegram. The response should weigh the impact of the sinking against these other causes to reach a reasoned conclusion.