WWI began in Europe on July 28, 1914 — triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The U.S. stayed neutral for nearly 3 years before entering on April 6, 1917.
Wilson's Dilemma: Despite declaring neutrality ("impartial in thought as well as deed"), the U.S. had deep economic ties with Britain and France — $2 billion in loans by 1917.
AP Key Concepts (KC 7.3.II)
World War I marked the end of U.S. isolationism and the beginning of its emergence as a global power, fundamentally reshaping American foreign policy and domestic society.
Home Front: Espionage and Sedition Acts (1917-18), Great Migration accelerated, women's suffrage movement strengthened.
Tags
WWINeutralityLusitaniaZimmermannWilsonTreaty of Versailles
Key Events: Neutrality → War
AP Exam Focus: Period 7 tests the CAUSES of U.S. entry into WWI (Lusitania, Zimmermann, submarine warfare), Wilson's idealism ("Fourteen Points"), the Treaty of Versailles rejection by the Senate (Lodge vs Wilson), and the HOME FRONT (Espionage Act, Great Migration, women's war work → 19th Amendment).