Developed by Cheryl Tice, Instructional Support Specialist

1. Use the BLUE text links to help you learn more about each of the topics on the timeline and to help you answer the questions.

2. You should be able to finish 3 or more slides each day for 3 days.

3. Print out the WORKSHEET to record your answers or use the FORM to fill in your answers on the computer.

4. Have fun!!

Early 1900’s

•European nations developed a strong sense of nationalism, imperialism, and militarism

•Tensions grew as a result

•Some countries formed alliances

Questions:

1. Use Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary to define nationalism, imperialism and militarism.

2. Why do you think nationalism is considered one of the causes of “The Great War”? (You may use p. 648 in your text to help you!)

•Trench Warfare used by both Allied and Central Powers throughout much of the war resulting in tremendous loss of life and stalemate. (Learn about and see pictures of the Trench Experience)

•Rifle was the most fundamental infantry weapon throughout World War I

•Primitive machine-gun used required more than one person to operate the gun

• Mortars first used by Germans in WWI, then the British

•Aircraft used but not be relied upon for heavy bombing until the last months of the war

Questions:

1. Do Activities 1, 2, & 3 on the Learning Curve site about weapons used in World War I. Print activities 1 and 2.

2. Define stalemate using Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary

6/28 – Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated

7/1914 – Austria-Hungary declared war, with Germany’s support, on Serbia

Russia, France and Britain came to Serbia’s aid

8/1: The Great War was underway

Questions:

1. Who assassinated Archduke Ferdinand? Why?

2. List the Allied Powers and the Central Powers.

3. Who remained neutral when the war broke out? Briefly explain that country’s desire to remain neutral.

1/3: First large-scale use of Chemical Weapons by the Germans

1/19: First German Zeppelin air raid on England. Listen to what eyewitness Sybil Morrison had to say about one of the Zeppelin attacks…

2/4: Germany declares a submarine blockade of Great Britain

5/7: Sinking of the passenger ship Lusitania

8/30: Germany responds to US anger about the Lusitania by no longer sinking ships without warning

Late 1915: British develop their first mortar

Question:

Why did Germany sink the Lusitania?

Question:

What was Wilson’s campaign slogan during the 1916 race for the presidency? (on the site go to EDIT->FIND and type in ‘campaign slogan’)

1/1916: 1st combat tank ready for demonstration in Britain

2/21 – 12/18: Battle of Verdun, the longest battle of the war

5/31 - 6/1: The Battle of Jutland (only major naval engagement ends in Stalemate)

11/7: Woodrow Wilson re-elected as President

12/7: David Lloyd George becomes British Prime Minister

Early in 1917: British Intelligence intercepts the Zimmerman Telegram, a secret German message to Mexico promising US territory to Mexico in return for supporting Germany

2/1: Germany once again declares unrestricted submarine warfare

4/1917: Wilson creates Committee on Public Information to promote the war domestically while publicizing American war aims abroad

4/6: US declares war on Germany

6/15: Congress approves the Espionage Act making it illegal to interfere in the war effortQuestions:

• State 3 reasons that the United States decided to join in the war effort.

• Who is Eugene V. Debs and why did he go to jail?

• Do you think you would have agreed with the terms of the Espionage Act during the Great War? Briefly defend your answer.

1/18: Wilson offers 14 Points to World Peace

3/21: Germans launch the first of five major offensives to win the war before America joins the war

5/23: Germany bombs Paris

8/8: Allied counteroffensives on the Somme force the German army back

9/29: Allied troops breach German defenses at the Hindenberg line

10/28: Germany's sailors mutiny when asked to sail out to fight again

11/9: Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicates

11/10: A German republic is established

11/11: The war ends in Europe as Germany and the Allies sign an Armistice Questions:

Define abdicate (2nd definition), kaiser (1st definition), and armistice.

1/1919: Peace Conference takes place in Paris

6/28: Peace Treaty signed by German diplomats and the Allies in Versailles. See how Europe’s borders changed as a result of World War I.

7/19: The Cenotaph (a war memorial) unveiled in London

8/1919 – 9/1919: Woodrow Wilson campaigns to ratify the Treaty of Versailles to the American people

Question:

1. Who were the “Big 4” and what countries did they represent?

2. What country was blamed for World War I?

3. Who was the chief opponent to the Treaty and the League of Nations in Congress?

4. What did Wilson do in an attempt to rally public support for the treaty? What happened to him as a result? (last paragraph on the web page) Did it work? (last 2 paragraphs)

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/wilson/portrait/wp_league.html

1/1920: Germany finally accepts the Versailles Treaty

3/19/1920: The US Senate fails to ratify the Versailles Treaty

1920: Warren Harding elected President

6/1921: US officially ended their part in the Great War by signing a separate treaty with the Central Powers.

Questions:

1. Briefly explain why the United States Senate was against ratifying the Versailles Treaty and joining the League of Nations? (paragraph 3)

2. Do you agree or disagree with the Senate’s decision. Briefly explain your position in 2 - 3 sentences.

http://www2.newpaltz.edu/~rubeop/007.htm“Bond’s Latest Mission: The Treaty of Versailles” WebQuest

http://learningcurve.pro.gov.uk/greatwar/default.htmComplete the activities offered on the Learning Curve site (It’s a great way to apply what you have learned!)

http://www.boondocksnet.com/gallery/wwi_intro.html Political cartoons and what they mean

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/wilson/gallery/posters.htmlGallery: Poster Art of WWI

http://www.library.georgetown.edu/dept/speccoll/amposter.htmAmerican propaganda posters