World War I and the Changing Role of Women

Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century World War I and the Changing Role of Women
Students first consider when and why the Great War was renamed World War I. Then they learn basic facts about WWI, including the U.S. role in the war. Next they examine the role of women on the home front and create a timeline of key events leading to the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment. Finally, they learn about the source of Veteran’s Day and write a speech for a Veteran’s Day ceremony.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Here are the teacher pack items for World War I and the Changing Role of Women:

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Overview

In this experience, students first consider why the Great War later became known as World War I. Then they learn about the causes of the war, the nations involved, new ways of fighting, and the U.S. role in the conflict. Next, they examine how women contributed during World War I and how the fight for women's voting rights developed over time. Students create a timeline of significant events leading to the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment. Finally, they learn about the history and meaning of Veterans Day and use what they have learned to write a speech for a Veterans Day ceremony.

If you have access to leveled readers about World War I or about the Suffragette Movement, assign them to the students in parallel to this experience.

Estimated duration: 40-50 minutes

Vocabulary words:

  • evolve
  • rival
  • home front
  • ammunition
  • status
  • armistice

Objectives

  • Describe the role of the United States in World War I
  • Explain how the women's rights movement achieved women's suffrage


Engage


Throughout American history, wars in other parts of the world have affected the United States. During the American Revolution and the War of 1812, the United States fought while European countries were also at war. In the early twentieth century, a major war began in Europe, and the United States later became involved. In this experience, you will learn about World War I and how the war affected women’s roles in American society.

Objectives

  • Describe the role of the United States in World War I
  • Explain how the women's rights movement achieved women's suffrage


Photo of the Chicago Tribune newspaper from November 11, 1918, headline reads “Great War Ends”

What modern historians call World War I — or the First World War — was originally called the Great War, or the War to End All Wars. Think about what you may know about U.S. or world history, and suggest when or why the name was changed. If you don’t know, use your imagination to come up with a reason for the change.

Post your answer

Discuss student responses. Students may reason that the name changed because another major world war began later. Explain that the war was commonly called the Great War during and after the conflict. After World War II began in 1939, people increasingly used the names World War I and World War II to distinguish between the two conflicts.

Point out that the name World War I reflects the large number of countries involved and the fact that the fighting and its effects reached many parts of the world.


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