Introduction: Why World Wars Matter in APUSH
The two World Wars are some of the most important turning points in U.S. history. On the APUSH exam, you’ll almost certainly face multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and even DBQs that touch on World War I and World War II.
This guide will walk you through the causes, events, and consequences of both wars, while showing you how to connect them to larger APUSH themes. With RevisionDojo’s study resources, you can master these wars and boost your exam score.
World War I: Key Points for APUSH
Causes of U.S. Entry into WWI
- Unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany (sinking of the Lusitania, 1915).
- Zimmermann Telegram (1917), where Germany encouraged Mexico to attack the U.S.
- Economic ties with the Allies, especially Britain and France.
- President Wilson’s push to “make the world safe for democracy.”
Domestic Impact of WWI
- Espionage Act (1917) and Sedition Act (1918): Limited free speech during wartime.
- Great Migration: African Americans moved north for industrial jobs.
- Women in the workforce: Helped secure passage of the 19th Amendment (1920).
Wilson’s Fourteen Points & Treaty of Versailles
- Wilson promoted the League of Nations (U.S. Senate rejected it).
- The U.S. never joined the League, symbolizing return to isolationism.
World War II: Key Points for APUSH
Causes of U.S. Entry into WWII
- Isolationist policies of the 1930s (Neutrality Acts).
- Lend-Lease Act (1941): U.S. supplied Allies before formally entering the war.
- Pearl Harbor attack (Dec. 7, 1941): Direct cause of U.S. entry.
Domestic Impact of WWII
- War Production: U.S. economy shifted to full mobilization, ending the Great Depression.
- Internment of Japanese Americans (Executive Order 9066): Upheld in Korematsu v. U.S. (1944).
- Women in war industries: “Rosie the Riveter” symbolized their role.
- African American Double V Campaign: Fight for democracy abroad and equality at home.
Military Turning Points
- D-Day (1944): Allied invasion of Normandy.
- Pacific Theater: Island-hopping strategy, ending with atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Consequences of WWII
- U.S. emerges as a global superpower.
- Beginning of the Cold War with the Soviet Union.
- Creation of the United Nations (1945).
Comparing WWI and WWII in APUSH
- Foreign Policy Shift:
- WWI → U.S. returns to isolationism.
- WWII → U.S. becomes permanently involved in global affairs.
- Civil Liberties:
- WWI → Espionage and Sedition Acts limited free speech.
- WWII → Japanese internment tested constitutional rights.
- Women & Minorities:
- Both wars expanded opportunities, but WWII had longer-lasting impacts (foundation for Civil Rights and Women’s Rights Movements).
How the APUSH Exam Tests WWI and WWII
You might see:
- Multiple Choice: Source-based questions (propaganda posters, speeches).
- SAQs: Cause-and-effect or comparison between the wars.
- DBQ: U.S. foreign policy changes between 1917–1945.
- LEQ: Assessing the impact of WWII on U.S. society.
RevisionDojo’s practice exams include stimulus-based questions and essay prompts designed to mirror these exact formats.
APUSH Themes Connected to WWI and WWII
- American Identity: Expansion of democracy vs. limits on civil rights.
- Politics & Power: Presidential leadership (Wilson, FDR).
- Work, Exchange, Technology: Industrial mobilization during wartime.
- America in the World: Rise of the U.S. as a global leader.
Study Tips for World Wars in APUSH
- Know key legislation (Espionage Act, Neutrality Acts, Lend-Lease).
- Review turning points (Pearl Harbor, D-Day, Hiroshima/Nagasaki).
- Memorize key dates but focus on themes.
- Use RevisionDojo practice essays to get comfortable writing DBQs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much of APUSH focuses on WWI and WWII?
Together, they represent a major portion of Periods 7 and 8, making them highly testable.
2. Do I need to memorize all battles?
No — focus on turning points like D-Day and the Pacific campaign.
3. What’s the main difference between WWI and WWII in APUSH?
WWI ended with isolationism, WWII led to U.S. global leadership.
4. How should I study for WWI and WWII essays?
Practice comparison and continuity essays using RevisionDojo’s templates.
5. Could a DBQ include both wars?
Yes — a common prompt is comparing U.S. foreign policy before and after 1941.
