aidemia--modules-lessonplan_request	Titles of parts of the lesson must be formatted as headings
What to create	Lesson plan
Which subject	History
What topic	US Entry into World War 1
What length (min)	50
What age group	Year or Grade 11
Include homework
Include images descriptions
Any other preferences	Check on knowledge

Lesson Plan: The US Entry into World War 1

Grade Level: 11

Duration: 50 Minutes

Subject: History

Learning Objectives

• Understand the major causes that led to the US entering World War 1.
• Examine the impact of propaganda and public sentiment on the decision to join the war.
• Identify key events that pushed the US to declare war in 1917.
• Analyze the role of the US in the war and its consequences on the global stage.

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Materials Needed

• Projector and screen for visual aids
• Whiteboard and markers
• Copies of primary source documents (e.g., Zimmermann Telegram)
• Access to multimedia resources (videos, maps)

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Lesson Outline

Introduction (10 Minutes)

1. Engage the Students:

   • Begin with a brief discussion on what students already know about World War 1.
   • Ask guiding questions:
     • Why do you think countries went to war?
     • Should the US get involved in foreign conflicts?

2. Purpose of the Lesson:

   • Explain that today’s lesson will focus on the specific reasons for the US entry into World War 1.

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Direct Instruction (20 Minutes)

1. Major Causes of US Entry into WW1:

   • Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: Discuss Germany's policy that targeted ships, including American vessels. Show how this policy angered the American public and government.
   • The Zimmermann Telegram: Explain the significance of this intercepted message from Germany to Mexico proposing an alliance against the US.

   {The image of a replica of the Zimmermann Telegram, with highlighted sections demonstrating key phrases and strategies.}

   • Cultural and Economic Ties to Allies: Discuss how the US had strong cultural and economic connections with Britain and France, and how this influenced public and political opinion towards the war.

2. Propaganda and Public Opinion:

   • Show examples of World War 1 propaganda posters that encouraged enlistment and support for the war.

   {The image of various World War 1 propaganda posters aiming to recruit soldiers and support the war effort.}

   • Discuss how these methods swayed public sentiment towards the war.

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Group Activity (15 Minutes)

1. Analyze Primary Sources:

   • Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a primary source document related to the US entry into WW1 (e.g., Wilson's War Address, newspaper articles).
   • Instruct students to analyze their document and answer the following questions:
     • What does this document reveal about the American perspective on entering the war?
     • How does the source reflect the political climate of the time?

2. Class Share-Out:

   • Have each group share their findings with the class, encouraging discussion and questions.

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Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 Minutes)

1. Summary of Key Points:

   • Reiterate the main reasons for the US's entry into World War 1: unrestricted submarine warfare, the Zimmermann Telegram, and propaganda.

2. Exit Ticket:

   • Ask students to write down in one or two sentences their thoughts on whether they believe it was justified for the US to enter the war.

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Homework Assignment

1. Read and Reflect:

   • Read the article on the US entry into WW1.

2. Answer the Following Questions (Due next class):

   • Why was the Zimmermann Telegram a turning point for the US in the war?
   • Discuss the impact of propaganda on America’s involvement in WW1.

Correct Answers:

1. Answer to Question 1:

   • The Zimmermann Telegram was a turning point because it galvanized public and political support for entering the war due to the threat of German expansion into North America.

2. Answer to Question 2:

   • Propaganda played a significant role in shaping public opinion, convincing citizens of the moral imperative to support the Allies and rallying them to enlist and contribute to the war effort.

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Additional Resources

• Video link to a documentary segment on the US entry into WW1.
• List of websites for further research on specific battles involving the US in World War 1.

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Assessment

Students will be evaluated based on their participation in group activities and the depth of analysis in their homework responses.

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Reflection for Teachers

After the lesson, consider reflecting on:

• What parts of the lesson were most engaging for students?
• How effectively did students demonstrate their understanding of the topic?

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This lesson plan provides a comprehensive overview of the US entry into World War 1, engaging students with varied instructional methods while appealing to critical thinking and analysis.