Teaching World War I in the 21st Century 1 | Page 49

D2.His.2.9-12 Analyze change and continuity in historical era.

CONNECTIONS TO C3 FRAMEWORK:

D2.His.9.9-12 Analyze the relationship between historical sources and the secondary interpretations made from them.

D2.His.10.9-12 Detect possible limitations in various kinds of historical evidence and differing secondary interpretations.

D2.His.17.9-12 Critique the central arguments in secondary works of history on related topics in multiple media in terms of
their historical accuracy.
D4.1.0-12 Construct arguments using precise and knowledgeable claims, with evidence from multiple sources, while
acknowledging counterclaims and evidentiary weakness.

DOCUMENTS USED:
Primary Sources:

“Heir to the Austrian Throne Assassinated,” New-York Tribune, June 29, 1914
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83030214/1914-06-29/ed-1/seq-1/
With startling detail, the article describes not only the successful attack by Gavrilo Princip on Franz Ferdinand, the archduke of
Austria-Hungry, and his wife but also two unsuccessful bombing attempts on their lives.
“Germany Declares War on France,” The Seattle Star, August 4, 1914
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn87093407/1914-08-04/ed-1/seq-1
Germany’s declaration of war claims that France and Belgium were the aggressors; England is forced to declare war on
Germany to defend its allies.

“Soldiers Take Day off From Killing and Swap Christmas Gifts with their Enemies,” The Seattle Star, December 25, 1914
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn87093407/1914-12-25/ed-1/seq-1/
Due to the close proximity of trenches, the soldiers held an unofficial day of peace in North France to celebrate Christmas.

“Liner Lusitania Sunk by a German Submarine,” Evening Public Ledger, May 7, 1915
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045211/1915-05-07/ed-1/seq-1/
This article expresses the initial confusion over what caused the Lusitania to sink; some reports blame a German submarine,
while others claim mechanical problems.
“Allies Gained in Furious Fighting on Somme Front,” Daily Capital Journal, September 5, 1916
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn99063957/1916-09-05/ed-1/seq-1
This article reports of the high hopes of victory for Britain and France toward the beginning of the Battle of the Somme.
“Disaster for Allies, Russia Out of the Fighting,” The Tacoma Times, November 2, 1917
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn88085187/1917-11-02/ed-1/seq-1
Russia’s withdrawal from war was a temporary measure due to the instability brought on by the Russian Revolution.

“Mexican Treachery Expose to Hasten War,” The Seattle Star, April 5, 1917
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn87093407/1917-04-05/ed-1/seq-1
The Zimmermann Note was used by pro-war supporters to strengthen their position by claiming that Americans were in
danger of being attacked on their home soil.
“U.S. Officially at War,” The Daily Missourian, April 6, 1917
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn89066314/1917-04-06/ed-1/seq-1/
In a celebratory tone, war against Germany is announced, with only a brief mention of the 50 Representatives who voted
against the bill.

Lesson Plans & Activities

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