We discussed the climate in Europe and around the world that resulted in militarism; building a strong army and spending money on new war technology led to an arms race. At the same time, there was a rise in nationalism across Europe and alliances formed increased tensions. Ben was well-informed about the Central Powers and the Allied Powers and we examined a map which clarified their involvement. We discussed the reasons for US's involvement in 1917 when President Wilson asked Congress to declare war, read about the 1918 influenza pandemic, and the purpose of the League of Nations, and why Congress rejected the Treaty of Versailles.