Exploros | The United States Enters World War I

The United States Enters World War I

Students think back to what they know about the American Revolution to state the causes of the war. Then they learn about the trigger event and the underlying main causes of the Great War. Next they examine Wilson’s approach to neutrality and the events that led the United States to enter the war. Finally they read about the Espionage Act and Schenck v. U.S., and they write their opinion for the plaintiff or the defendant.

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.

Overview

In this experience, students think back to what they know about the American Revolution to state the causes of the war. Then they learn about the trigger event and the underlying main causes of the Great War. Next they examine Wilson’s approach to neutrality and the events that led the United States to enter the war. Finally they read about the Espionage Act and Schenck v. U.S., and they write their opinion for the plaintiff or the defendant.

The Student Pack includes links to general resources providing background on World War I.

Objective

Describe the events that lead to World War I.
Analyze the stance of isolationism and neutrality.
Identify reasons for U.S. entry into World War I.

Engage

Despite public support for Theodore Roosevelt’s expansionist actions, the United States had a long history of isolationism. In this lesson, you will learn about the shift in American foreign policy during World War I.

Objective

Describe the events that lead to World War I.
Analyze the stance of isolationism and neutrality.
Identify reasons for U.S. entry into World War I.

photograph of a soldier digging in a trench while another soldier walks toward a mortar

Two French soldiers firing mortar from a trench during World War I

Think back to what you know about the American Revolution. What would you say was the cause of the war?

A) Battles of Lexington and Concord, the Shot Heard ‘Round the World
B) Taxation without representation
C) Mercantilism
D) Freedom of religion

All of the options listed in the poll contributed to the outbreak of the American Revolution. Options (b) through (d) were underlying causes, and option (a) was the trigger event that started the war. Emphasize to students the difference between a trigger event and an underlying cause.

Remind students that World War I was originally called the Great War. Ask them: When and why do you think that the Great War became known as World War I? The term world war used for a war among global powers was already in use by the mid-nineteenth century. The Great War became widely referred to as World War I only with the outbreak of World War II in 1939.

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