1. United States History II
Road Map for Success:
World War I
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In 1914 incredible pressure was building all around the world, especially in Europe. The pressure from increasing Militarism, the formation of Alliances, expansive Imperialism and extreme Nationalism soon caused a sort of explosion never before seen in the world.
The political, social and cultural landscape of Europe changed drastically with the outbreak of World War I—the Great War. Despite the war being fought on the world stage, the United States, under the leadership of Woodrow Wilson, maintained a policy of neutrality—not allying herself with any nation, but instead, chose to trade with most nations. However ultimately, due to numerous provocations, the United States found herself directly in the middle of World War I, a war remembered for military advancements leading to unprecedented casualties.
When the United States joined the war effort in 1917, she used her military might, strong industry and intelligent strategies to boost the morale and abilities of the Allied Forces to lead Great Britain, France and Italy to victory over the Central Powers.
Was President Wilson right in his decision to go to war? How did he deal with problems at home and abroad? How did Wilson hope to avoid future catastrophic wars?
These questions and many more will be addressed and answered in the following unit!
You will master the following learning standards:
USII.7 Explain the course and significance of President Wilson’s wartime diplomacy, including his Fourteen Points, the League of Nations and the failure of the Versailles treaty.

2. Depth of Understanding (1-4)
Skill
I CAN…
Classroom Activities
Depth of Understanding (1-4)
How do I get there?
1) Explain why the United States chose to maintain a policy of neutrality
2) Recall causes for American entry into World War I
3) Describe how the Germans provoked the U.S. and Wilson’s reactions to the provocations
SELF ASSESSMENT
HOW ARE YOU DOING SO FAR???
4) Examine domestic wartime policy changes and wartime limits on civil liberties
5) Identify and describe how citizens of the United States rallied behind the war effort at the homefront
6) Explain Wilson’s Fourteen Points
7) Describe why the League of Nations failed
8) Describe the United States’ impact on World War I