Lusitania, U-boats, Sussex Pledge

Why did the United States enter World War I despite initially trying to stay neutral? This lesson and activity examines the background and impact of the sinking of the Lusitania. 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 - Theodore Roosevelt’s Letter to the Editor 1915 primary source excerpt analysis with scaffolding questions
The Lusitania reading passage analysis with scaffolding questions for each document
New York Times sinking of the Lusitania headline 1915 analysis with scaffolding questions
Letter from M. Garry primary source document analysis with scaffolding questions
Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did the sinking of the Lusitania and Germany’s use of unrestricted submarine warfare impact American public opinion and lead to U.S. involvement in World War I?
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!

©2024 A Social Studies Life

For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.