America in the 20th century: World War One



America in the 20th century: World War One -- The War in Europe

Video Guide & Essay

[pic]

Realities of War: Trenches, Weapons, and Death (3:33)

What words would you use to describe trench warfare?

What is the link between industrialization and WWI?

German Submarines: U-Boat Blockade (1:15)

How many Germans died as a result of the British blockade of Germany?

How many people died as a result of the German U-Boat blockade of Great Britain?

America Joins the Ranks (4:17)

At the time of President Wilson’s 2nd inauguration, what % of the U.S. was immigrant?

Were most Americans closer to isolationism or interventionism?

The U.S. entered the war in spring 1917 for these two reasons:

1. By 1917 American banks had loaned $2.3 billion to the Allies and only $27 million to the Central Powers. Furthermore, U.S. trade with the Allies quadrupled while trade with the Central Powers fell drastically between 1914 and 1917. A major reason that U.S. leaders backed the Allies was that only an Allied victory would assure repayment of those American loans.

2.

How did the sinking of the Lusitania affect American attitudes about the war?

How did the Zimmermann telegram affect American attitudes about the war?

Berlin, January 19, 1917

On the first of February we intend to begin submarine warfare unrestricted. In spite of this it is our intention to keep neutral the United States of America. If this attempt is not successful we propose an alliance on the following basis with Mexico: That we shall make war together and together make peace. We shall give general financial support, and it is understood that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. The details are left for your settlement. You are instructed to inform the President of Mexico of the above in the greatest confidence as soon as it is certain there will be an outbreak of war with the United States, and we suggest that the President of Mexico on his own initiative should communicate with Japan suggesting adherence at once to this plan; at the same time offer to mediate between Germany and Japan. Please call to the attention of the President of Mexico that the employment of ruthless submarine warfare now promises to compel England to make peace in a few months. Zimmermann.

Americans Arrive Just in Time (1:59)

[pic]

Wilson Wants War: What Would You Say?

Essay

[pic] [pic]

Documents:

Request for a Declaration of War, 1917

Jeannette Rankin, Pioneer Advocate of Peace

Now that you know the background of WWI, read President Wilson’s speech to Congress on April 1917.

Imagine you are a member of Congress at the time. One of your colleagues is Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to the House of Representatives. Read her biographical sketch.

You must decide whether to cast a vote in favor of or in opposition to going to war in Europe.

Consider the arguments on both sides, and decide where you stand.

You will write an essay in which you explain your decision. You must have two distinct reasons for voting for or against Wilson’s request.

Essay format

Introduction

- background on the war and America’s interests

- thesis statement

Body paragraph 1

Body paragraph 2

Conclusion

We will begin brainstorming and outlining in class. The final essay must be typed and will be worth 20 points (5 points per paragraph).

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download