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Men and Women of Iron: Impact of World War I on the 20th Century

Industrial technology applied to the battlefield brought about a need so immediate and forceful that America was transformed.  The “Iron men” of Pennsylvania’s 28th division rose to the occasion. From Cumberland County emerged heroic men and dedicated women. Wilson mobilized a nation for war, the economy and the role of women expanded in unprecedented ways. Across the sea, hundreds of thousands of Americans endured rapid firing machine guns, flame throwers, trench foot, lice, and a constant barrage of unprecedented artillery fire. Learn how these and other technologies functioned and brought about adaptations such as air combat, tanks, and chemical warfare and ways in which the “War to End All Wars” would profoundly shape the decades to come.

 

 


Essential Questions:

What is the impact of the war on both the battlefield and at home?
How can sources be evaluated to get an accurate picture of the events?
Why did we fight and how did we prepare for war?
Why did the events in Europe force a reluctant United States to participate in WWI and how did the U.S. influence the outcome?
How was Woodrow Wilson able to win the election of 1912?
What policies did Woodrow Wilson follow as president?
What were the causes of World War I?
How was WWI ’fought in the trenches?
Why did the United States shift its policy to enter the war?
How did the government prepare for and manage the war effort?
How did Americans on the home front respond to the war?
How destructive was the First World War in terms of human, economics and political costs?
How did World War I shape the 20th century?

History Standards:   8.1 A,B,C,D    8.2.9 A,B,C,D   8.2.12 A,B,C,D   8.3.12 A,B,C,D 8.4.12 A,B,C,D
    
Reading Standards: 1.1.5.A,G 1.2.A 1.3.A,F 1.6.A,B,D,E

 

“I was very happy to hear that you were coming to our school again.  I learned a lot from you in the past and couldn’t wait to learn more! Every time you come, I know there is something great in store for all of us. A lot of what you told the class was new to me. The fashions changes were my favorite. I cannot wait to see you again!!!!!!!”
           Sarah K.