to war and the issues that faced the United States as it
navigated the complexities of neutrality.
Reading of articles: 15 minutes
• Divide the class into small groups of two or three students
each.
• Provide each small group two or three articles to read
silently. Consider providing articles from conflicting
positions.
• Struggling readers may find the following articles more
accessible, as they are shorter and/or their argument is
more plainly stated and concrete.
»»“War!” Daybook, Chicago, Illinois, April 17, 1914
»»“The Fortune of War.” The Herald and News,
Newberry, South Carolina, May 11, 1915
• In small groups, have students discuss the articles. Using
the article analysis chart as a guide, students should
determine what the articles are trying to communicate.
British and Japanese officers stand by a Japanese flag after the siege of
Tsingtao. (Photo courtesy of the Hulton Archive)
»»Grade Level: Middle School, 6-8
»»Disciplines: Arts and Humanities, Civics and
Government, U.S. H istory
»»Historical Period: World War I
Preparation and Resources:
• Historical context narrative (provided)
• Historic newspaper articles (provided)
• Article analysis chart (provided)
• Internet access to view newspapers (optional)
• Large Post-it chart paper or chalk/whiteboard
Lesson Activities: Day I
• Provide students with a copy of the contextual narrative
and any additional information you wish to include for
review. As a class, discuss the circumstances that led
Introduction: 10 minutes
»»Do they support sending American troops to war, are
they opposed to participation, or do they present a
different issue entirely?
»»What support is given for their position?
»»Who wrote the article or what group’s viewpoint is
captured there?
»»Is their opinion important? Why or why not?
Classroom Discussion: 20-35 minutes
• Combine the small groups into two larger groups (the class
should be divided in half).
• Ask the groups to pretend they are President Wilson’s
advisors in March 1917. Direct students to discuss their
overall impressions based on what they learned from their
THE FINAL TEST OF A
LEADER IS THAT HE
LEAVES BEHIND HIM
IN OTHER MEN, THE
CONVICTION AND THE
WILL TO CARRY ON.
– WALTER LIPPMAN
NATIONAL HISTORY DAY 2015
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