托福背景材料：第一次世界大戰(zhàn)的美國(guó)

托?？荚囍?，閱讀部分的題量和文章長(zhǎng)度都較大，話(huà)題涵蓋各類(lèi)學(xué)科領(lǐng)域,。雖然官方并不要求考生對(duì)這些學(xué)科知識(shí)有深入了解,，但若能掌握相關(guān)背景知識(shí)，無(wú)疑會(huì)提高閱讀速度和做題準(zhǔn)確性,。因此,，了解一些歷史背景是非常必要的。接下來(lái),，我們將探討第一次世界大戰(zhàn)期間的美國(guó),。

美國(guó)在第一次世界大戰(zhàn)前的內(nèi)外政策 (1889—1914)

在1889年，美國(guó)召開(kāi)了泛美會(huì)議,，1898年爆發(fā)了美西戰(zhàn)爭(zhēng),，成功擊敗西班牙，獲得了加勒比海的古巴和波多黎各,，以及太平洋的關(guān)島和菲律賓群島,。隨后，美國(guó)還合并了夏威夷群島,。1903年,，美國(guó)奪取了巴拿馬運(yùn)河區(qū)，并在遠(yuǎn)東提出了“門(mén)戶(hù)開(kāi)放”政策,。美國(guó)在1904-1905年的日俄戰(zhàn)爭(zhēng)中選擇支持日本,。1912年，民主黨候選人T.W.威爾遜當(dāng)選總統(tǒng),，他以“新自由”為口號(hào)進(jìn)行改革,，降低關(guān)稅，建立聯(lián)邦儲(chǔ)備銀行制度,，并通過(guò)克萊頓反托拉斯法,。此時(shí)期,，美國(guó)在對(duì)外政策上對(duì)西半球的墨西哥,、尼加拉瓜等國(guó)進(jìn)行了軍事干預(yù)。

第一次世界大戰(zhàn)至20世紀(jì)20年代末的美國(guó)

第一次世界大戰(zhàn)初期,，美國(guó)宣布中立,，并向交戰(zhàn)雙方提供軍火,，隨后對(duì)協(xié)約國(guó)進(jìn)行了貸款。1916年,，威爾遜連任總統(tǒng)。1917年,，在德國(guó)潛艇擊沉美國(guó)船只后,，美國(guó)于4月6日對(duì)德宣戰(zhàn)。戰(zhàn)爭(zhēng)期間，由于海外移民減少,，大量黑人遷往北方,，并參與戰(zhàn)斗，拓寬了他們的視野,。1918年11月,，威爾遜簽署了對(duì)德停戰(zhàn)協(xié)議，戰(zhàn)爭(zhēng)促進(jìn)了美國(guó)經(jīng)濟(jì)繁榮,，使其從一個(gè)欠債國(guó)轉(zhuǎn)變?yōu)槿蜃畲蟮膫鶛?quán)國(guó),。1921年，共和黨人W.G.哈定執(zhí)政,，正值美國(guó)經(jīng)歷經(jīng)濟(jì)蕭條,。他提出“工業(yè)正常化”和“搶救資本主義”的政策,。1923年至1929年,，世界資本主義進(jìn)入相對(duì)穩(wěn)定時(shí)期，建筑業(yè),、汽車(chē)與鋼鐵工業(yè)蓬勃發(fā)展,，商品和資本輸出激增。與此同時(shí),，第二次企業(yè)“合并浪潮”席卷了銀行業(yè)和工業(yè)部門(mén),，特別是公用事業(yè)，甚至零售商業(yè),。共和黨人C.柯立芝執(zhí)政時(shí)期是美國(guó)經(jīng)濟(jì)繁榮的高峰,。然而，由于新興工業(yè)的畸形發(fā)展和生產(chǎn)過(guò)剩,，國(guó)民經(jīng)濟(jì)出現(xiàn)失衡,，最終導(dǎo)致1929年10月美國(guó)爆發(fā)經(jīng)濟(jì)危機(jī)，繼而引發(fā)全球性的經(jīng)濟(jì)蕭條,。

大蕭條 (Great Depression)

20世紀(jì)30年代的美國(guó)

1933年,，民主黨人F.D.羅斯福成為第32屆總統(tǒng)。他推行了“新政”,，通過(guò)國(guó)家對(duì)經(jīng)濟(jì)的廣泛干預(yù)來(lái)應(yīng)對(duì)嚴(yán)重的經(jīng)濟(jì)危機(jī),，包括整頓金融、復(fù)興工農(nóng)業(yè)和開(kāi)展救濟(jì)事業(yè),。這些措施有效緩解了經(jīng)濟(jì)危機(jī)并加強(qiáng)了國(guó)家壟斷資本主義,。1933年11月，美國(guó)與蘇聯(lián)建交,，并對(duì)拉丁美洲實(shí)施了“睦鄰政策”,。然而,，1937年又一次經(jīng)濟(jì)危機(jī)襲來(lái)。羅斯福通過(guò)擴(kuò)大赤字開(kāi)支的方式緩解了這次危機(jī),；隨著第二次世界大戰(zhàn)的爆發(fā),，美國(guó)重振軍備，經(jīng)濟(jì)逐漸恢復(fù)并走向繁榮,。

新政 (New Deal)

睦鄰政策 (Good Neighbor Policy)

通過(guò)以上內(nèi)容的梳理,，托福考生可以更好地理解第一次世界大戰(zhàn)期間美國(guó)的歷史背景,，從而在閱讀中提高效率和準(zhǔn)確性,。希望這些信息能夠幫助你在托福考試中取得優(yōu)異成績(jī),！

Introduction

The role of the United States in World War I is a significant topic that students preparing for the TOEFL exam should understand. The U.S. involvement in this global conflict not only changed the course of the war but also marked a turning point in American foreign policy and its position on the world stage. ??

Background of the War

World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, primarily involved two major alliances: the Allies and the Central Powers. Initially, the United States maintained a stance of neutrality, influenced by various factors such as ethnic diversity and economic interests. However, several events gradually shifted public opinion and government policy towards intervention. ??

Reasons for U.S. Entry

One of the primary reasons for the U.S. entry into the war was the unrestricted submarine warfare practiced by Germany. The sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, which resulted in the deaths of 128 Americans, stirred public outrage. Additionally, the interception of the Zimmermann Telegram in 1917, in which Germany proposed a military alliance with Mexico against the U.S., further fueled the desire for intervention. ??

Impact of U.S. Involvement

When the United States declared war on Germany in April 1917, it brought fresh troops and resources to the struggling Allied forces. The American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), led by General John J. Pershing, played a crucial role in several key battles, including the Battle of Cantigny and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The arrival of American soldiers boosted the morale of Allied troops and helped turn the tide of the war. ????

Economic Factors

Economically, the U.S. had strong ties to the Allies, providing them with loans and supplies. This financial support created a vested interest in the victory of the Allies. By the end of the war, the U.S. emerged as a leading economic power, with its industries booming due to wartime production. ??

Post-War Consequences

The aftermath of World War I saw the United States taking on a more prominent role in international affairs. President Woodrow Wilson proposed the Fourteen Points, emphasizing principles like self-determination and the establishment of the League of Nations. Although the U.S. Senate ultimately rejected joining the League, Wilson’s vision laid the groundwork for future international cooperation. ??

Lessons Learned

For TOEFL test-takers, understanding the complexities of U.S. involvement in World War I provides valuable insights into historical contexts and their implications for modern international relations. It illustrates how economic interests and national security can drive foreign policy decisions. Moreover, it highlights the importance of public opinion in shaping governmental actions during critical moments in history. ??

Conclusion

In summary, the role of the United States in World War I was multifaceted, involving military, economic, and diplomatic dimensions. As students prepare for their TOEFL exams, they should consider how these historical events continue to influence contemporary global dynamics. Engaging with this topic not only enhances their understanding of U.S. history but also equips them with analytical skills relevant to their studies. ??

The Impact of World War I on the United States

The First World War (1914-1918) was a pivotal moment in global history, and its effects on the United States were profound and far-reaching. This article explores how the war influenced various aspects of American society, economy, and politics, providing valuable insights for TOEFL candidates preparing for their exams. ??

Economic Changes ??

One of the most significant impacts of World War I on the United States was the transformation of its economy. Prior to the war, the U.S. was primarily an agricultural nation. However, as the war progressed, there was a surge in demand for industrial goods. Factories ramped up production to supply the military and allied forces. This shift led to an economic boom, with industries such as steel, munitions, and textiles experiencing unprecedented growth.

Moreover, the war also resulted in increased job opportunities. Many men enlisted in the military, leading women to enter the workforce in larger numbers than ever before. This change not only contributed to the war effort but also laid the groundwork for future movements advocating for women's rights. The economic prosperity experienced during this period would ultimately help the U.S. emerge as a leading global power in the decades that followed.

Social Changes ????????

The war also brought about significant social changes within the United States. The Great Migration, a mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North, was partly fueled by the demand for labor in factories. This migration changed the demographic landscape of cities and contributed to the cultural renaissance known as the Harlem Renaissance, which celebrated African American culture and arts.

Additionally, the war prompted a re-examination of national identity and citizenship. The contributions of diverse groups, including immigrants and African Americans, during the war challenged traditional notions of what it meant to be American. This period saw the beginnings of civil rights movements as marginalized groups began to advocate for their rights more vocally.

Political Changes ???

Politically, World War I had a lasting impact on the United States. The war marked the U.S.'s emergence as a global power, leading to a more active role in international affairs. President Woodrow Wilson's vision for a post-war world included the establishment of the League of Nations, although the U.S. Senate ultimately rejected joining the organization. Nevertheless, Wilson's ideas set the stage for future American involvement in global politics.

The war also led to changes in domestic policies. The Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918 curtailed civil liberties in the name of national security. These laws reflected a growing tension between patriotism and individual rights, a theme that continues to resonate in contemporary American politics.

Cultural Impact ??

World War I also influenced American culture significantly. The experiences of soldiers returning home shaped literature, art, and music during the 1920s. The disillusionment felt by many veterans was captured in the works of writers like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, who explored themes of loss and existential angst.

Moreover, the war catalyzed changes in popular culture. The rise of jazz music, which became synonymous with the Roaring Twenties, can be traced back to the cultural exchanges that occurred during the war. This period also saw the emergence of new forms of entertainment, including cinema, which began to reflect the complexities of modern life.

Conclusion

In summary, the First World War significantly impacted the United States in various ways, transforming its economy, society, politics, and culture. Understanding these changes is crucial for TOEFL candidates, as they illustrate the interconnectedness of historical events and their lasting legacies. As you prepare for your exam, consider how these themes may appear in reading and listening sections, and think critically about the implications of such historical moments. ??

Understanding TOEFL Reading Materials ??

The TOEFL reading section is a crucial part of the exam, and understanding the materials is key to success. In this article, I will share some insights and tips that can help you navigate through the reading tasks effectively.

What to Expect in the TOEFL Reading Section

The reading section typically consists of 3 to 4 passages, each followed by a set of questions. The passages are taken from academic texts and cover a range of topics, including science, history, and social studies. Familiarizing yourself with the format and types of questions can greatly enhance your performance.

Types of Questions ??

There are several types of questions you might encounter:

• Detail Questions: These ask for specific information from the passage.
• Inference Questions: These require you to read between the lines and draw conclusions.
• Vocabulary Questions: These test your understanding of word meanings in context.
• Reference Questions: These ask about what a particular word or phrase refers to in the passage.

Effective Reading Strategies ??

Here are some strategies to improve your reading skills:

1. Skim the Passage: Quickly read through the passage to get a general idea of the content and structure.
2. Highlight Key Information: As you read, underline or highlight important points, terms, and phrases.
3. Practice Active Reading: Engage with the text by asking questions and summarizing information in your own words.
4. Manage Your Time: Keep track of time while practicing to ensure you can complete all questions within the allotted time during the exam.

Sample Passage and Questions

Here’s a brief example to illustrate:

Passage: "The process of photosynthesis is essential for life on Earth. It allows plants to convert sunlight into energy, which is then used to produce food." ??

Sample Questions:

• What is the primary function of photosynthesis?
• According to the passage, what do plants convert sunlight into?

Vocabulary Building ??

Expanding your vocabulary is essential for the reading section. Here are some tips:

• Read diverse materials, such as articles, journals, and books.
• Keep a vocabulary journal to note down new words and their meanings.
• Use flashcards to memorize difficult words and practice them regularly.

Practice Makes Perfect

Regular practice using official TOEFL materials can greatly improve your reading skills. Websites like ETS provide sample questions and practice tests. Aim to simulate real testing conditions to build your confidence.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for the TOEFL reading section requires dedication and effective strategies. By understanding the types of passages and questions, employing reading strategies, and building your vocabulary, you can enhance your performance. Remember, consistent practice is key to achieving your desired score! Good luck! ??