America on the Home Front, Schenck v. United States

How did the United States government control public opinion and limit dissent on the homefront during World War I, and what impact did this have on Americans’ rights and freedoms? This lesson and activity examines the background and impact of life on the American homefront during World War I. Students will analyze primary and secondary source documents. They’ll then answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge.

Included in this resource:

Do Now - Committee on Public Information 1917 primary source poster analysis with scaffolding questions
America on the Homefront document analysis with scaffolding questions for each document
Document #1: Labor Shortage and Workforce Changes
Women working, Great Migration
Document #2: Public Opinion
Committee on Public Information
Document #3: Limiting Criticism
Espionage Act, Sedition Act
Document #4: Schenck v. United States
Supreme Court Case Spotlight On: Schenck v. United States analysis with scaffolding questions
Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: Why did the government’s efforts to control public opinion and suppress dissent during World War I have a lasting impact on American society, including the way we view free speech and civil liberties today?
Answer key for teachers (suggested)
★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you!

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