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National Security League
Organization founded in 1914 that preached patriotism and preparation for war. In 1915 they successfully lobbied government officials to set up camps to prepare men for military life and combat. The patriotism of this group became more strident as the war progressed. In 1917 they lobbied Congress to greatly limit immigration into the country. -
Allied Powers
The partership of Great Britain, France, and Italy during World War I. The Allies were pitted against the Central Powers of Germany and Austria-Hungary. In 1917, the U.S. joined the war on the Allies’ side. -
Central Powers
Germany and Austria-Hungary during World War I. The Central powers fought against the Allies of GreatBritain, France, and Italy. In 1917, the U.S. joined the war effort against the Central Powers. On June 28, 1918 the Central Powers surredered at Versailles. -
Ku Klux Klan (KKK)
The group often conducted raids and lynchings to intimidate black voters and Republican officials. The Klan faded away in the late nineteenth century, but resurfaced in 1915. Capitalizing on middle class Protestant dismay at changing social and economic conditions in America, the Klan took root throughout the South as well as in Western and Midwestern cities, and was dominated by whitenative-born Protestants. -
Lusitania
British passenger liner with 128 Americans on board that was sunk off the coast of Ireland by a German U-boat on May 7, 1915. This sinking caused outrage in the United States and was one of a series of events that drew the United States closer to war with Germany. -
Zimmermann Telegram
January 1917 telegram sent by the German foreign minister to Mexico suggesting that the Mexican army should join forces with the Germans against the United States. When the Germans and Mexicans were victorious, the Mexicans were promised most of the south-western part of the United States. The British deciphered the code of this telegram and turned it over to the United States. The release of its content caused many in America to feel that war against the Germans was essential. -
Fourteen Points
Woodrow Wilson’s liberal and idealistic peace program. His plan, outlined January 1918, called for unrestricted sea travel, free trade, arms reduction, an end to secret treaties, the territorial reorganizationof Europe in favor of self-rule, and most importantly, the creation of “a general association of nations” to protect peace and resolve conflicts. -
Treaty of Versailles
Signed in June 1919 at the end of World War I. President Woodrow Wilson had hoped for a generous peace settlement to promote democracy, peace, and liberalism throughout war torn Europe instead of simply punishing the Central Powers. The treaty proved more vindictive against Germany than Wilson would have liked. It punished the Germans severely, forcing them to assume all blame for the war and to pay massive reparations. -
Jazz Age
Term used to describe the image of the liberated, urbanized 1920s, with a flapper as a dominant symbol of that era. Many rural, fundamentalist Americans deeply resented the changes in American culture that occured in the "Roaring 20s." -
Great Migration
Migration of large numbers of American blacks to Midwestern and Eastern industrial cities that began during World War I and continued throughout the 1920s. Additional workers were needed in the North because of the war and during the 1920s because of immigration restrictions. Blacks were willing to leave the South because of continued lynchings there and the fact that their economic situation was not improving. -
Harlem Renaissance
The flowering of black culture in New York’s Harlem neighborhood during the 1920s. Black writers and artists produced plays, poetry, and novels that often reflected the unique African American experience inAmerica and in Northern cities in particular.
