Higher Education U.S. History Printables

This lesson is based on my own personal experience as a participant on a USA-Mexico border tour project organized by Rethinking Schools & Global Exchange that provided first-hand experience and knowledge concerning the effects of U.S. foreign policy, such as NAFTA, on the lives of ordinary people who reside in the Tijuana area. Students will be prompted to delve far beyond the mainstream explanation that answers the critical question as to why people cross the U.S.-Mexico border. This lesson will have students examine the broader context, and underlying factors to this question, which intimately tie itself to Mexico's agricultural economy. Students will identify the causal puzzle pieces, and then create a ‘LOOP’ (web) diagram that will serve to demonstrate their understandings of how these underlying causes interconnect with one another. Materials: • One 50 Slide PowerPoint • Grading Rubrics • Student Loop Diagram Examples • Printable Handouts: 1) Handout #1- Power-Point Guided Notes 2) Handout #2- The U.S.-Mexico Border Puzzle Pieces If you liked this lesson see the 'BUNDLE unit lesson' here: NAFTA & the U.S. Mexico Border Bundle I OFTEN PROVIDE FREEBIES TO MY FOLLOWERS AND ALL NEW PRODUCTS DEBUT AT 20% OFF: • Look for the green star next to my store logo at the top right corner of this page and click it to become a follower. This will allow you to be notified each time I debut a new product or freebie.

World War I Reading Comprehension Bundle: Dive Deep into the Great War

This comprehensive reading comprehension bundle offers a captivating exploration of World War I, delving into its causes, key players, major battles, the experiences of soldiers, and its lasting impact on the world.
Bundle Overview:

• 27 Engaging Articles: Each article tackles a specific aspect of WWI, providing a clear and informative overview while piquing student interest.
• Varied Topics: From the M.A.I.N. causes and the role of espionage to the Christmas Truce and the rise of aircraft, the bundle covers diverse facets of the war.
• Primary Source Analysis: Students delve into excerpts from historical documents, enhancing critical thinking and understanding.
• Multiple Assessments: Each article comes with multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions, catering to various learning styles.
• Detailed Answer Key: Ensures easy grading and facilitates classroom discussions.

Individual Article Descriptions:

1. WWI: A Quick & Engaging Overview (No Research!): This concise yet informative article provides a fast-paced introduction to the war, outlining the M.A.I.N. causes, key players, major battles, and the war's lasting impact.
2. Spies & Secrets: Espionage in the Great War: Unmask the thrilling world of espionage during WWI, exploring how spies influenced the war's course and the impact of the Espionage Act.
3. Drafted into Duty: Life as a WWI Soldier: Step into the boots of a WWI soldier, experiencing their daily routines, the harsh realities of trench warfare, and the profound psychological impact of the conflict.
4. From Marne to Verdun: Key Battles of WWI: Analyze pivotal battles like Marne, Verdun, Tannenberg, and Somme, understanding their strategic importance and turning points in the war.
5. Harlem Hellfighters: US Enters the Great War: Celebrate the courage and contributions of the Harlem Hellfighters, highlighting their fight against prejudice and their significant role in securing Allied victory.
6. Christmas Truce: Humanity in the Trenches: Discover the heartwarming story of the Christmas Truce, a moment of shared humanity amidst the brutality of war, and its enduring significance.
7. Women in WWI: Beyond the Trenches: Explore the expanded roles women undertook during the war, their contributions beyond traditional spheres, and the lasting societal changes their involvement triggered.
8. Weapons of WWI: From Rifles to Tanks: Witness the evolution of weaponry in WWI, its impact on battle tactics, and the rise of brutal trench warfare.
9. Flying Aces: The Rise of WWI Aircraft: Take flight into the exciting world of air combat, encountering the daring flying aces and the rapid advancements in aircraft technology during the war.
10. M.A.I.N. Causes of World War I Explained: Unravel the interconnected web of Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism (M.A.I.N. causes) that ultimately led to the outbreak of WWI.
11. WWI Alliances: A Web of Entanglement: Navigate the complex network of alliances that drew nations into the war, understanding the domino effect of their commitments and the escalation of tensions.
12. Western Front: Trench Warfare & Stalemate: Descend into the desolate world of the Western Front, experiencing the horrors of trench warfare, the stalemate that unfolded, and key battles that defined this grueling phase of the war.
13. Eastern Front: Battles & Revolutions: Explore the major battles fought on the Eastern Front, the involvement of Russia, and the revolutions that erupted during the war, forever altering the region's political landscape.
14. Verdun: The Longest & Bloodiest Battle: Confront the immense scale and tragic consequences of the Battle of Verdun, understanding its strategic importance, the staggering casualties it inflicted, and its impact on the war's trajectory.
15. First Battle of the Marne: Turning the Tide: Analyze the strategic significance of the First Battle of the Marne, a pivotal moment that halted the German advance and offered a glimmer of hope for the Allied forces.
16. Tannenberg: A Crushing Defeat for Russia: Delve into the details of the Battle of Tannenberg, a devastating blow to Russia that significantly altered the balance of power on the Eastern Front.
17. Battle of the Somme: A Day of Immense Carnage: Confront the horrific realities of the Battle of the Somme, the immense casualties it produced, the use of new technologies, and its stark reflection of the brutality inherent in trench warfare.
18. U.S. Entry into WWI: Shifting the Balance: Understand the factors that led the United States to enter WWI, its impact on the war's trajectory, and the significant contribution of American troops to the Allied victory.
19. Russian Revolution: War & Social Upheaval: Explore the internal factors that led to the Russian Revolution, its connection to the war effort, and the long-term consequences that reshaped the political landscape.
20. End of WWI: Armistice & Aftermath: Witness the events leading to the armistice, the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, and the lasting impact of WWI on the world, including political, social, and economic consequences.
21. The Legacy of WWI: A Changed World: Analyze the long-term ramifications of WWI on the global political landscape, social structures, economic conditions, and the rise of new powers in the wake of this transformative conflict.
22. The Assassination that Ignited a World War: Archduke Franz Ferdinand's Death: Explain the chain of events leading up to the assassination, the role of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Gavrilo Princip, and the immediate consequences that set the stage for WWI.
23. Trenches of Terror: A Look at World War I Trench Warfare: Describe the harsh realities of trench warfare, including living conditions, daily routines, constant danger, and the psychological impact on soldiers.
24. Zimmermann Telegram: A Secret Message that Pushed America into WWI: Explain the content of the telegram, Germany's attempt to draw the US into the war against Britain, and the impact it had on American public opinion.
25. The Sinking of the Lusitania: A Catalyst for US Entry into WWI: Describe the sinking of the Lusitania, the loss of American lives, and the outrage that fueled calls for US intervention in the war.
26. Wilson's 14 Points: A Vision for a Post-WWI World: Explain the key principles outlined in Wilson's 14 Points, including self-determination, collective security, and the League of Nations, and their impact on the postwar world.
27. Espionage Act of 1917: Review the Espionage Act of 1917, its restrictions on free speech during World War I, and its lasting impact on the balance between national security and civil liberties in times of war.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the complex web of factors that led to the outbreak of WWI.
• Understand the key players involved in the war and their motivations.
• Gain insight into the experiences of soldiers on the battlefield and the societal impact of the war.
• Explore the major battles and turning points that shaped the course of the conflict.
• Examine the lasting consequences of WWI on the global political landscape, social structures, and economic conditions.

Common Core State Standards:
This resource addresses the following Common Core State Standards (CCSS):

• Reading Informational Text: Students can read and comprehend complex informational text.

• Key Ideas and Details: Students can identify key supporting details and make inferences from the text.

• Cause and Effect: Students can analyze the relationship between cause and effect.

• Integration of Knowledge and Ideas: Students can integrate their understanding of historical events with broader social and political concepts.

Why You Should Buys:

• Comprehensive Coverage: This bundle provides a well-rounded understanding of WWI, making it ideal for classroom units or individual research projects.
• Differentiated Instruction: The variety of articles and assessments cater to diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Ready-to-Use: Downloadable worksheets and answer keys are immediately implementable, saving you valuable planning time.
• Standards-Aligned: Addresses key Common Core State Standards in Reading Informational Text.
• Primary Source: The inclusion of primary source analysis activities encourages critical thinking and historical analysis skills.
• Multi Use: This resource is a valuable asset for bringing WWI history to life in your classroom, fostering student engagement and a deeper understanding of this pivotal event.

By utilizing this comprehensive reading comprehension bundle, you can equip your students with a thorough and engaging exploration of World War I, its causes, key events, and lasting impact on the world.