Download World War I: Problem Based Learning

World War I: Problem Based Learning
You are an advisor to President Wilson (28th President, 1913-1821).
War has broken out in Europe.
Background:
1. Identify the Causes of the war:
 International Rivalry or Competition
o Empire/Colonies
o Militarism/Military Strength
o Revenge/ French vs Germans for the Franco-Prussian War
o Alliance System
1. Triple Alliance
2. Triple Entente
o Economic Competition-Industrial power
2. The Process of the War:
 Assassination- Archduke Franz Ferdinand (of Austria) is killed in Sarajevo by
a terrorist.
 Austrian Ultimatum- to the Serbs
 Outbreak:
o Chain reaction:
Austria
Germany



Serbia
Russia
France
Belgium
England
1914- 1917 Trench War / Stalemate-no one could win.
Millions Killed
Submarine Warfare- Germans try to choke off the Allied Supply lines using
Submarines.
As an advisor to the President.
1. How should the United States react to the War in Europe?
2. What would advisors to the president say or recommend?
Choose three topics and write a detailed recommendation, be sure to include your reasons
for your recommendation and explain why your plan will work the best for American
interests.
 Business Activity
 Popular Opinion
 Trade
 Neutrality: is this an issue that needs to be addressed?
 Military Preparedness- is this a consideration?
 Allies or Enemies
 Domestic Politics or politics in America
 American Power
 Un-American Activities- What should happen to people who don’t support
or are critical of American views on the War? Should we address this
issue and how?
In Groups of 5:
Create a detailed policy that addresses the needs of the country based on the above
criteria; be sure to discuss all aspects of your topic.