1. BELLWORK: 12/9
What was the purpose of Wilson’s January 22nd address to the Senate?
During his speech, Wilson emphasized that peace only exists between equals. What do you think he means by this? Do you agree?
List five things Wilson deemed necessary in order to establish a “permanent peace.”
THINKER: Read the last paragraph on pg. 3 in which Wilson proposed that “the nations should with one accord adopt the doctrine of President Monroe as the doctrine of the world…..” What do you think he means by this? Does this contradict his previous ideas of equality? Do you agree with this?

2. U.S. Involvement
Between Peace and War

3. What should Wilson do?
Even after Germany broke several ultimatums and promises, Wilson still wished to avoid war.
At this point, American citizens and the government supported a war to stop German aggression.
In the early days of March 1917, Wilson secluded himself for almost ten days, only seeing a few top advisors
From all sides the President was bombarded with advice for war and for peace
Then, on March 18th, German U-boats sank three more unarmed American ships, also without warning.
Two days later, on March 20th, Wilson held a three hour Cabinet meeting to hear opinions about what should be done.

4. Cabinet Meeting Role Play
This exercise is based on the Cabinet meeting President Wilson held on March 20, 1917 to hear opinions about the possibility of war.
The class will be divided into four groups of advisors.
Each group will read about their specific viewpoint/opinion.
Every group has a different argument or point they will focus on (money, international law, propaganda, death toll)
After reading your stance on the issue, your group will write a speech and present their argument to President Wilson and his cabinet.
Ultimately, they will decide (based on your arguments) if the U.S. will go to war or stay neutral.

5. Representatives of Wilson & his Cabinet
Personal Advisor Colonel Edward House
Secretary of State Robert Lansing
President Woodrow Wilson
Official White House Recorder

6. Cabinet Meeting Role Play
To start:
Independently read your groups’ position and answer the following:
What is your groups’ position on entering WWI?
List three examples that back up the opinion or argument.

7. Cabinet Meeting Role Play
Now that you have read your position, you will meet with your group and come up with a brief speech or argument in order to persuade the Cabinet.
As you meet, one representative from your group will review your points with Ms. Bruggeman
The Cabinet will listen to all arguments and take notes.
At the end of the discussion, the floor will be open for questioning.
Lastly, the cabinet will meet and discuss the arguments. They will ultimately decide if the U.S. will enter WWI or not.

8. U.S. Declares War! Wilson declares war on April 2, 1917.
To learn more about the U.S. Homefront and preparations for war, read pgs in the IB history textbook and complete the worksheet.

9. Previous Instructions (2015)
Today we will hold a mock U.S. Cabinet meeting regarding U.S. entrance into WWI. To start, read the background of the Cabinet meeting & answer the following questions:
Even though the U.S. was neutral, how did most Americans feel at the time?
How did Britain’s strong Navy have an effect on trade with the Central Powers?
Explain the joint memorandum (US/GB) issued in February of 1916.
What was Wilson’s ultimatum after the sinking of the Sussex? Germany’s response?
What did Germany decide at their secret conference on January 9, 1917? Wilson’s response?
What led President Wilson to hold a Cabinet meeting on U.S. involvement on March 20th?

10. Previous Instructions (2015)
The question on everyone's’ mind - should President Wilson ask Congress to declare war on Germany?
Now it’s time for you to decide!!!!
The class is going to be divided into groups of 4.
Each group will be responsible for reading an argument that either supports or is against U.S. involvement in the war.
This exercise is based on the Cabinet meeting which President Wilson held on March 20, 1917 to hear opinions about the possibility of war.
After the groups read their viewpoints, a representative will summarize their argument. One person will present their argument to the Cabinet.
Be ready to participate!

11. PRO-WAR
PRO-NEUTRALITY

12. President Wilson’s War Message April 2, 1917
You will now read President Wilson’s war message to Congress.
As you read, highlight/take notes, but focus on…..
WHY neutrality was no longer an option
WHY the U.S. declared war
HOW the U.S. will prepare for war

13. Cabinet Meeting Groups
Aces: group 1
2 & 5: group 2
3: group 3
4: group 4
Jack: Personal Advisor Colonel Edward House
Queen: Secretary of State Robert Lansing
King: President Woodrow Wilson