Teaching World War I in the 21st Century 1 | Page 27

The Chronology of the War covers the 1914 origins of the conflict and its month-by-month escalation up to the 1918 armistice and the Peace Conference
in Paris in 1919.

York Times bestseller lists. At the National World

lecture “6 Months that Changed the World”), podcasts,

international articles being published and a wide

Use Primary Sources

War I Museum, we are rolling out new information,

exhibitions and resources online. Place “World War I” or
“First World War” as a Google Alert to keep up with

variety of events. Look for professional development
opportunities offered by National History Day, the
National World War I Museum, Gilder Lehrman

Institute and others. Audiobooks (Margaret MacMillan’s

documentaries, and online video content (including the

lectures hosted at the museum) make learning in a tight
timeframe more accessible.

Examining primary sources creates quality learning
opportunities. Visit the Online Collections Database

at the National World War I Museum and use analysis

with Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) on photographs

of the era. Newspaper articles are the 1917 equivalent
of blogging. Engage students in analyzing the editorial
opinions of thinkers like Teddy Roosevelt, noted as
saying after the Zimmermann Telegram, “If Wilson

does not declare war now, I will go to the White House
and skin him alive.” World War I is full of fascinating
sidelights. Engage both visual and auditory learners
Thousands of guests come from around the world every year to see
America’s only museum dedicated to the Great War. The Museum is an
exceptional experience to spark conversations between generations.

by using sheet music lyrics and cover art to more fully
understand and humanize the American experience
during the war.

Essays & Resources

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