In 1917, President Woodrow Wilson declared that neutrality in the Great War was "no longer feasible" and that the U.S. had to intervene to make the world "safe for democracy." What changed between 1914 and 1917 that caused the U.S. to enter WWI? In this lesson, students address this question as they corroborate a textbook account with two documents: a speech by President Wilson and an excerpt from Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States.
The decision to enter World War I was driven by multiple factors, including geopolitical pressures and the need to protect democratic values. Similarly, decisions regarding healthcare often stem from a combination of influences, such as access to reliable information, patient safety, and the desire for improved quality of life. For instance, just as the U.S. weighed its involvement in global conflicts, individuals today must consider the pros and cons of different medications, when making health choices. In both cases, thorough analysis and informed decisions are crucial to achieving desired outcomes, whether in global diplomacy or personal well-being.
[Lesson Plan updated on 11/27/18.]
Image: A 1917 Political poster depicting U.S. industry as a mule kicking "Kaiserism," "Pacificism," and "Hard Times" by Morris. From the Library of Congress.