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APUSH World War I and II Overview | Key Events & Study Guide

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Introduction: Why World Wars Matter in APUSH

Two of the most heavily tested topics in AP U.S. History are World War I and World War II. These conflicts reshaped America’s role in global affairs, shifted domestic policies, and redefined U.S. identity on the world stage.

On the APUSH exam, expect questions on:

  • The causes of U.S. involvement
  • Major events during the wars
  • The effects on society, politics, and economy
  • The global legacy of U.S. actions

This guide gives you a clear, exam-focused overview — with help from RevisionDojo, where you’ll find detailed timelines, practice DBQs, and multiple-choice drills.

World War I (1914–1918)

Causes of U.S. Entry

  • Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: German U-boats sank ships like the Lusitania (1915).
  • Zimmermann Telegram (1917): Germany encouraged Mexico to attack the U.S. if America joined the war.
  • Economic Ties: Strong trade with Britain and France.
  • “Make the World Safe for Democracy”: Wilson’s idealistic justification.

Major Events

  • U.S. Declares War (1917): After years of neutrality.
  • Selective Service Act: Draft to build an army quickly.
  • American Expeditionary Force (AEF): Led by General Pershing in Europe.
  • Home Front Mobilization: War Industries Board, Committee on Public Information (propaganda), Espionage and Sedition Acts.

Aftermath

  • Fourteen Points: Wilson’s plan for peace, emphasizing self-determination.
  • League of Nations: U.S. Senate rejected membership (isolationist backlash).
  • Treaty of Versailles (1919): Blamed Germany, imposed reparations — sowed seeds for WWII.

World War II (1939–1945)

Causes of U.S. Involvement

  • Rise of Fascism: Hitler in Germany, Mussolini in Italy, militarism in Japan.
  • Neutrality Acts: Tried to keep U.S. out of war but allowed “cash and carry.”
  • Lend-Lease Act (1941): Aid to Britain and later USSR.
  • Pearl Harbor (Dec 7, 1941): Japanese attack triggered U.S. declaration of war.

Major Events

  • European Theater: D-Day (1944), Battle of the Bulge (1944), liberation of concentration camps.
  • Pacific Theater: Island-hopping strategy, Midway (1942), Iwo Jima (1945).
  • Home Front:
    • Rationing, victory gardens, women in the workforce (Rosie the Riveter).
    • Japanese American internment (Executive Order 9066).
  • End of War: Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Aug 1945) — atomic bombs dropped.

Aftermath

  • United Nations Founded (1945): U.S. took leadership role.
  • Marshall Plan: U.S. aid to rebuild Europe.
  • Cold War Begins: U.S. vs. USSR rivalry over ideology and power.

Comparing World War I and World War II

  • Isolationism vs. Interventionism: Both wars began with U.S. reluctance, but WWII solidified U.S. as a global leader.
  • Civil Liberties: Restrictions in WWI (Espionage Acts) vs. WWII (Japanese internment).
  • Economic Impact: Both wars boosted U.S. economy — WWII ended the Great Depression.
  • Foreign Policy: Wilson’s failed internationalism vs. Truman’s postwar leadership.

APUSH Exam Tips for World War Questions

  • Multiple Choice: Expect stimulus-based questions with excerpts from Wilson, FDR, or wartime propaganda.
  • Short Answer Questions (SAQs): Often ask for comparisons (e.g., WWI vs. WWII).
  • DBQs: May focus on wartime policies, civil liberties, or foreign policy shifts.
  • LEQs: Could ask about continuity and change in U.S. global role.

👉 RevisionDojo offers practice DBQs with sample essays on both wars — perfect for mastering evidence-based writing.

Key Themes to Memorize

  • Foreign Policy Shift: Neutrality → intervention → leadership
  • Civil Liberties at Home: Limits during crises
  • Economic Mobilization: War → jobs, growth, innovation
  • Role of Women & Minorities: Expanded opportunities, groundwork for Civil Rights Movement
  • Legacy: WWII = start of American global dominance

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How are World War I and World War II similar in APUSH context?
Both show a transition from neutrality to global involvement, with major impacts on civil liberties and economy.

2. Which war is tested more often on APUSH?
World War II appears more frequently, but WWI is often tested for foreign policy shifts and Wilson’s Fourteen Points.

3. Do I need to know specific battles?
Yes — D-Day, Midway, and Pearl Harbor are especially important. For WWI, focus on U.S. entry and home front.

4. How should I write about wartime presidents?
Wilson (WWI) and FDR (WWII) are key — connect their policies to America’s changing role.

5. Where can I find practice DBQs for these wars?
RevisionDojo offers custom DBQs, essay outlines, and scoring rubrics for both wars.

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