Chronicling America:
Uncovering a World at War
Cheryl Caskey
Student Programs Coordinator, NHD in Kentucky, Kentucky Historical Society
Naomi Peuse
Coordinator, Network for Gifted Education, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Research assistance provided by:
C
Kathleen Barker
Stephen Cure
Sarah Fallon
Lisa Oppenheim
Assistant Director of Education,
Massachusetts Historical Society
Director of Educational Services/Texas
State Historical Association
National History Day in Wisconsin
Coordinator
Director, Chicago Metro History Fair
Cheryl Caskey
Susan Dittus
Laura Ketcham
Student Programs Coordinator,
National History Day in Kentucky,
Kentucky Historical Society
National History Day in Idaho
Coordinator
National History Day in North Carolina
Coordinator, N.C. Office of Archives
and History
hronicling America makes digital copies of newspapers
from around the country dated between 1836 and 1922
available online. Available through the Library of Congress
with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, this
resource includes a U.S. newspaper directory that offers information
regarding newspaper coverage from 1690 to the present. Chronicling
America can be used by classroom teachers as a source of primary
source material that reflects a variety of geographic, ethnic, social,
and class perspectives on issues and events in American history.
It can also be used as a research source for students for National
History Day projects. Visiting http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/
daily, students and interested learners alike have the opportunity to
read headlines from “100 Years Ago Today.”
Members of the London Scottish Regiment undertake rifle drill.
(Photo courtesy of the Hulton Archive)
One hundred years ago today, when the European nations were embroiled in a great war, the United States attempted to
continue trade and diplomatic relations with a world in conflict. This lesson gives students the opportunity to examine historical
newspapers, available through Chronicling America, and read the conflicting viewpoints of America’s citizens. Students will
engage in dialog as they struggle to decide: Should the Unites States remain neutral or join the fight?
This lesson provides students the opportunity to analyze newspapers to understand public opinion regarding the U.S. entry into
World War I from multiple perspectives. The goal is to help students think critically about a variety of viewpoints while analyzing
primary source newspaper articles printed from 1914 through 1917. Teachers looking for inspiration, ideas, and lesson plans
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can visit http://edsitement.neh.gov/.
NATIONAL HISTORY DAY 2015