America in World War I

What are Teacher's Toolbooks? Click Here.

Everything students need to know about America in World War I!

TOOLBOOK: You need only one for the entire class!

Action-packed lessons – students perform in front of the class!
Lectures with graphic organizers.
Documents: quotations, speeches, political cartoons. Lotsa mapping.
Timelines: decorate with photos and political cartoons.
Games galore, including “The Gong Show.”
Group analysis and debates.
Projects: Students teach the class.
Homework on the internet.
Heavy on terms: “The ABCs of World War I” (recall terms). “Can you talk like Woodrow Wilson?” (define terms).
“Let your classroom BLOOM!” (Using Bloom’s taxonomy, explore terms in depth.)
Assessment: Learn the logic of a multiple-choice test by playing “Honk if you hate history!”
Concludes with the mother of all tests: 414 questions.
Reverse designers: give a test at the beginning of every class.

    America in World War I covers:
  • The War in Europe: U.S. neutrality despite the sinking of the Lusitania.
  • The Causes: Why America entered the war – Germany (submarine warfare), Mexico (Zimmerman Note), Russia (communist revolution), England & France (they were losing). President Wilson: “Making the world safe for democracy.” Play “Name that strength!” and predict who will win. General Pershing. Trench warfare: maps and photos. Film worksheet: A&E’s “Foot Soldiers.”
  • Life on the homefront: Propaganda placards. Sedition Act, 1918. The Great Migration. “Who am I?” Rank the famous people – from best to worst.
  • The Results: How should a war end? The Paris Peace Conference. Write a persuasive essay: “I am Woodrow Wilson . . .” President Wilson’s Fourteen Points. The League of Nations. Debate: “Resolved, the U.S. should have joined the League of Nations.”