US History - Standards of Learning - USII.7
1. * Wilson’s Fourteen Points
Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points outlined his plan for world peace. Presented in a speech before both houses of Congress, on January 18, 1918, Wilson addressed issues that he believed would prevent another war. The British and French were particularly critical of Wilson’s postwar vision for peace. They were committed to preventing future German aggression. Wilson received input from his closest advisor, Colonel Edward House, while drafting the Fourteen Points.
Analyze Wilson’s Fourteen Points and interpret the proposal’s effect on the peace-making process.
-Katherine Silva
2. *The Zimmermann Telegram
This website features 100 “milestone” documents from American history. The original documents are easy to download, and a document transcript is provided for each source.
Zimmermann Telegram
The British deciphered this telegram from German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to the German Minister to Mexico offering the United States territory in return for joining the war against the United States. The telegram outraged many Americans and drew the United States into World War I in April of 1917.
Students interpret the implications of the Zimmermann telegram and discuss what Germany’s goals were in continuing unrestricted submarine warfare and trying to form an alliance with Mexico
-Katherine Silva
3. *The Decoded Zimmermann Telegram may be also found at:
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration is an excellent site featuring thousands of primary sources as well as suggestions for teachers. There are several analysis forms available on this site, ranging from Document Analysis Sheets to Sound Recording Analysis Sheets.
-Katherine Silva
4.*Political Cartoon-Uncle Sam & League of Nations
http://rutlandhs.k12.vt.us/jpeterso/MOREWW1/TIEDUP.JPG
To rally public support for U.S. membership in the League of Nations, President Wilson went on a grueling speaking tour. He suffered a massive stroke near the tour’s end, which incapacitated him through the end of his administration. President Woodrow Wilson and Senator Henry Cabot Lodge had battled over the Treaty of Versailles, particularly U.S. membership in the League of Nations. Lodge denounced the treaty and eventually the U.S. Senate voted against ratifying the treaty.
Students view the political cartoon and describe the action depicted and the message being conveyed by the cartoonist. What reservations did Henry Cabot Lodge and others have with regard to the League of Nations? Compare Wilson’s views regarding the League with the views of his opponents.
- Compose a letter to President Wilson/Senator Lodge urging your support or disapproval of the establishment of the League of Nations. Explain the reasons for your point of view.
-Katherine Silva
5. *World War I Cartoons:
http://rutlandhs.k12.vt.us/jpeterso/uboatcar.htm
This website features cartoons and was constructed by a Social Studies Teacher (John Peterson) who is a graduate of Rhode Island College.
President Wilson initially declared that Americans would be neutral “in thought as well as action.” He wanted the U.S. to maintain full trading rights with belligerent powers. This came into conflict with British and German policies. British restrictions on American trade and Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare made it difficult for Wilson to sustain this policy. Eventually, the escalation of Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare pushed the United States into war.
Cartoon #1 Rule Britannia (1914) Have students view the cartoon and discuss the effects that England’s blockade is having on American shipping. What is the artist’s message? What symbols does the artist use? Evaluate the effectiveness of the cartoon.
Cartoon #2 Germany Under All (1915) Have students view the cartoon and discuss what message the artist is trying to convey. What symbols does the artist use to get his message across? Evaluate the effectiveness of the cartoon.
Cartoon #3 The Mistress of The Seas (1915) This depicts the German view of the British navy.
Discuss the German view of the British Navy. Were the Germans justified in using unrestricted submarine warfare in light of this view? Explain your answer.
Cartoon #4 Some Promise (1917) This cartoon depicts the Zimmermann Telegram. Discuss how the cartoon might have helped inflame American public opinion against Germany. Evaluate the effectiveness of the cartoon.
-Katherine Silva
6. *“The Willy-Nicky Letters”
http://www.teacheroz.com/wwi.htm
In 1918, private correspondence between the late Russian Czar Nicholas II and Kaiser Wilhelm were found. There were 73 letters written in English, and were usually addressed to “Nicky” and signed “Willy.” The letters reveal the tension that arose between Germany and Russia and their leaders, men who were not only friends but cousins.
Students read the letters to understand the events that preceded World War I and interpret the meaning of these letters.
-Katherine Silva
7. The Doughboy Center
http://www.worldwar1.com/dbc/ghq1arm.htm
A complete history of the doughboy forces used in WW I are detailed at this
site. You can find out about specific units, battles or mission preparation.
The battleground feature is a valuable resources. Many WW I posters are
featured throughout the site.
-Carl Robidoux
8. WW I Quick Reference
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAwar.htm
This site has an excellent format for quick research and reference to key
features of the war. Key military and political people are featured. There
is also a category on artist and journalist involved in the conflict. An
anti-war category and women in the war categories are also listed. Students
can use this site for general research or information about the war. The
format is well organized and easy to use.
-Carl Robidoux
9. The Legends and Traditions of the Great
War
http://www.worldwar1.com/heritage/heritag2.htm
The legendary people and events of the war are highlighted in chronological
order. The feature on the Christmas truce has an interview with the author
of Silent Night. A well organized site with excellent details. Many projects
or research opportunities can be created using this site.
-Carl Robidoux
