Curatorial Resource Collection: U.S. Involvement in WWI & Post-War America by Abbey White

Quick Write/ Debate Activity

whiteabbey — 2025-09-19 02:06:13 UTC

Before joining WWI, Americans debated whether to stay neutral or fight. This source shows the different arguments and tensions leading up to 1917.

Use: Excellent for a class discussion or debate activity. Students can read the arguments and role-play a citizen in 1915 deciding whether the U.S. should enter WWI. This highlights multiple perspectives.

Hook for WWI

whiteabbey — 2025-09-19 02:07:16 UTC

This short video explains the big story of WWI, how it started, who was involved, and why it mattered. A clear introduction before diving into America’s role.

Use: Great as a hook/intro video at the start of the unit. Gives students the “big picture” so later details make more sense. Could be paired with a note sheet (Causes of WWI) or quick KWL chart.

Video Explanation of why US joined the war

whiteabbey — 2025-09-19 02:09:49 UTC

Why did America finally join WWI? This video explains the Zimmerman Telegram, submarine warfare, and Wilson’s decision to go to war.

Use: Works well as a mini-lesson explainer video. Pause at key points (Lusitania, Zimmerman Telegram) and ask students to summarize causes in their own words. Could also be homework flipped-lesson viewing.

Small Group Reading Activity

whiteabbey — 2025-09-19 02:11:11 UTC

A deep look at the events that brought the U.S. into the war, including the Lusitania and German submarine attacks.

Use: Best as a reading station or small group activity. Students can highlight main causes of U.S. entry and put them on a timeline. Good for practicing sourcing skills with a museum text!

Close Read/ Jigsaw Activity

whiteabbey — 2025-09-19 02:14:54 UTC

This resource shows what life was like for U.S. soldiers, how they were drafted, trained, and fought overseas.

Use: Ideal for a close reading or jigsaw activity. Students can read short sections about soldiers’ lives and report back to the class. Helps connect the war to human experiences.

Gallery Walk Resource

whiteabbey — 2025-09-19 02:15:59 UTC

Life at home during WWI; propaganda, women working in factories, liberty bonds, and rationing. Shows how ordinary Americans helped the war effort.

Use: Perfect for a gallery walk or note taking station. Students rotate, reading about rationing, propaganda, and women’s roles, then record how Americans contributed at home

Primary Source Analysis

whiteabbey — 2025-09-19 02:17:44 UTC

Colorful posters used to persuade Americans to join the army, buy bonds, and support the war. Students can analyze how words and images shaped opinion.

Use: Great for a primary source analysis activity. Students pick a poster and answer: Who is the audience? What is the message? What feelings does it create? Could lead into a create your-own poster project.

A great opportunity for cross content teaching (ethos, logos, pathos)

Class Read about life after War

whiteabbey — 2025-09-19 02:19:17 UTC

When soldiers returned, they found an America that was already changing. This resource shows how the war shaped veterans, families, and society

Use: Good for a class reading + discussion about veterans. Can pair with journal writing or cross content assignment with ELA

Prompt: What would be hardest about returning to civilian life after war?

Prompt: Write a story from the point of view of a returning war veteran. Explain the hardships etc.

Advanced Student Activity

whiteabbey — 2025-09-19 02:20:23 UTC

After WWI, many Americans wanted to turn inward. This article explains the rise of isolationism, immigration restrictions, and fear of new ideas.

Use: Useful for connecting past to present. Students can compare post WWI isolationism to present day U.S. involvement in global conflicts. Could be a great critical thinking extension for advanced students!

Project Activity (Summative)

whiteabbey — 2025-09-19 02:21:22 UTC

Explains how WWI, the 1918 flu, and an economic slump led into the excitement and change of the Roaring Twenties.

Use: Strong for a culminating reading or multimedia assignment. Students can make a cause and effect chart showing how WWI & the flu pandemic led to the cultural explosion of the 1920s.

Could also have an extension activity using COVID 19 and how it lead to many technological advancements.

Whole Class Review/ Bell Ringer/ Formative/ Summative

whiteabbey — 2025-09-19 02:23:12 UTC

A quick quiz to test your knowledge of WWI causes, alliances, and events. Great for self-check or review.

Quick whole class review game or bell ringer. Could also be used as homework for self assessment before a quiz/test

whiteabbey — 2025-09-21 19:50:15 UTC

Infographic for students to refer to.

Interactive Timeline, Could have students create a similar product as a summative assessment.

whiteabbey — 2025-09-21 19:54:29 UTC

WWI Interactive Timeline

KWL Chart

whiteabbey — 2025-09-21 20:03:37 UTC

Have students fill out this FREE KWL chart. Have students refer back to this as the unit progresses.