World War 1 American Declaration of War Primary Source Analysis Activity

Students will read and analyze excerpts from Wilson's address to Congress asking for a declaration of war against Germany in 1917 by answering 25 questions. They will also complete an extension task and analyze 3 political cartoons. The answers are included where appropriate and this would be great for a sub!

Sample questions include:
--Provide an example from the historical record that supports Wilson’s assertions in the first paragraph.
--How could it be said that warfare against commerce was warfare against mankind?
--Why was “well-conceived taxation” suggested? What form could that take?
--In what way could Wilson’s comments regarding the German people and their “impulse” be argued as hypocritical?
--At what point would America be satisfied with its efforts and involvement in the war?
--Could anything have been added to the speech to make it more effective, why or why not?
--Did anything detract from the overall goal/intention of his speech, why or why not?

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