From the May 2018 Paper 3 IBDP HL History exam
Example written under exam conditions by a student who received a '7' in the May 2022 Paper 3 exam:
Example II:
The entry of the United States into the First World War in 1917 represented a significant shift in international relations and global power dynamics. Prior to its involvement, the United States was committed to a policy of neutrality, maintaining economic and political distance from the European powers embroiled in the devastating conflict. However, a series of events, including the Zimmermann Telegram and the sinking of the Lusitania, ultimately led to the U.S. breaking its stance of non-intervention. This essay will explore the reasons behind the U.S. entry into the war and discuss the profound impact it had, both domestically and on the international stage.
From the outbreak of World War I in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson advocated for American neutrality, a stance that was widely supported by the American public who saw the war as a European dispute. However, a complex interplay of political, economic, and cultural factors gradually undermined this policy. Firstly, America's economic ties to the Allies, particularly Britain and France, were substantial. Trade between the U.S. and these nations escalated during the war years, as historian Michael Kazin argues, from $825 million in 1914 to $3.2 billion in 1916. This increased interdependence made it more difficult for the U.S. to remain aloof from the conflict. Secondly, Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917 played a pivotal role in changing American sentiment. The sinking of passenger ships like the Lusitania, with the loss of American lives, was seen as an attack on American neutrality and humanity at large. These incidents stirred public opinion and increased calls for American involvement in the war. Finally, the Zimmermann Telegram, an intercepted message from Germany to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the U.S., was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back.
The entry of the United States into the war in April 1917 had profound implications. On the military front, American involvement brought fresh troops and significant industrial resources to an exhausted and nearly depleted Allied front. American forces played a decisive role in major battles of 1918, including the Second Battle of the Marne and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The American entry, as historian Arthur Link suggests, acted as a 'million man shock' to the Central Powers, both physically and psychologically. On a geopolitical scale, U.S. entry signified the nation's rise as a global power. The U.S. used its increased influence to shape the post-war world order, epitomised by President Wilson's Fourteen Points, a visionary (albeit, partially realised) blueprint for a new international system based on democracy, self-determination, and collective security. Although the U.S. Senate ultimately rejected membership in the League of Nations, America's role in shaping the Treaty of Versailles cannot be understated.
Although irrelevant for an examination focused on European History, the war also had a profound domestic impact. The federal government expanded dramatically, exerting unprecedented control over the economy and curtailing certain civil liberties in the name of national security. Wartime mobilisation led to rapid industrial growth and significant social changes, including increased urbanisation and changes in women's roles as they entered the workforce in greater numbers. This period also saw a surge of nationalist sentiment and the suppression of dissent, reflected in the passage of the Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918. However, the war also exacerbated racial and social tensions. As African Americans moved north for industrial jobs, racial tensions flared, culminating in the Red Summer of 1919. Furthermore, the post-war period was marked by economic dislocation and social unrest, epitomised by the First Red Scare, a wave of anti-radical and anti-immigrant sentiment.
In conclusion, the entry of the United States into the First World War was a significant turning point in global history. Influenced by economic ties, perceived threats to American neutrality and the potential for geopolitical repositioning, the U.S. abandoned its isolationist stance. The decision to enter the war, in turn, had a profound impact on the conflict and on American society itself. It marked America's emergence as a significant player on the global stage, and catalysed major economic, social, and political changes domestically. Even as historians continue to debate the long-term consequences of U.S. involvement in World War I, the enormity of its immediate impacts, both domestically and globally, remains clear.
From the May 2023 Paper 3 exam:
To what extent did US entry into the First World War contribute to the defeat of the Central Powers?
The First World War, a monumental conflict that engulfed the world from 1914 to 1918, witnessed the entry of the United States in 1917, which had a significant impact on the outcome of the war. This essay aims to evaluate the extent to which US entry into the war contributed to the defeat of the Central Powers, comprised of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.
The size and resources of the American military played a crucial role in tipping the balance in favour of the Allies. With a population of over 100 million and vast industrial capabilities, the United States possessed a tremendous capacity to contribute to the war effort. By mobilising millions of soldiers, the US bolstered the Allied forces and provided a fresh influx of troops that significantly impacted the battlefield. American soldiers fought in pivotal battles such as the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in 1918, demonstrating their combat effectiveness and contributing to the erosion of the Central Powers' military strength.
Economic support from the United States also played a vital role in the defeat of the Central Powers. The American economy, characterised by its industrial might and financial resources, provided essential backing to the Allied powers. Through financial loans and extensive trade relationships, the US ensured the sustenance of the war effort. Additionally, American production capabilities helped meet the growing demands of the Allied forces, providing crucial supplies, munitions, and equipment. The economic strain on the Central Powers, exacerbated by the Allied economic blockade, undermined their ability to sustain their military operations and weakened their resolve.
Technological advancements introduced by the United States further contributed to the defeat of the Central Powers. American industry led innovations in areas such as aircraft, tanks, and naval warfare. The introduction of advanced weaponry, such as fighter planes and tanks, shifted the balance of power on the battlefield. Notable examples include the American-built Renault FT tanks, which played a significant role in breaking through enemy lines and providing crucial support to ground forces. The US Navy's convoy system also proved instrumental in countering German submarine attacks and ensuring the safe transport of troops and supplies across the Atlantic.
Historians offer varying perspectives on the significance of US entry in the defeat of the Central Powers. Some argue that American involvement was a decisive factor that tipped the scales towards the Allies. They emphasise the substantial contributions of American troops, economic support, and technological innovations that provided a critical advantage. Others contend that while the American contribution was important, it was only one aspect of a broader set of factors that led to the Central Powers' defeat. They emphasise the collective efforts of the Allies, including the contributions of other nations, changing military strategies, and the exhaustion and internal turmoil faced by the Central Powers.
In conclusion, the entry of the United States into the First World War made a substantial contribution to the defeat of the Central Powers. The size and resources of the American military, economic support, and technological advancements played key roles in altering the course of the war. American troops bolstered the Allied forces, economic backing weakened the Central Powers' resolve, and technological innovations provided a critical advantage. While differing perspectives exist, it is clear that US entry into the war significantly contributed to the ultimate defeat of the Central Powers, shaping the outcome of the war and leaving a lasting impact on global history.
From the May 2023 IBDP History Paper 3 exam
To what extent did US entry into the First World War contribute to the defeat of the Central
Powers?
Markscheme:
Relevant factors may be addressed to challenge the question, for example the domestic difficulties of the Central Powers could also be considered as a reason for their defeat. Some of them were struggling with revolts and/or the effects of a long war that exhausted their economies. They may also argue that the military campaigns of British Imperial troops and those of the European allies were more important as factors in defeating the Central Powers. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate contributed to the defeat of the Central Powers. to what extent the US entry into the First World War Candidates may consider the entry of the United States as the turning point of the war thanks to the US supply of large credits, arms, soldiers, and food to the Allies. By 1918, US troops were arriving in large numbers on the Western Front. Some may argue that they played a significant role in the defeats the German army suffered from August 1918 until the end of the war.
Written under test conditions (click to enlarge)
