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.
