DBQ Worksheet & Teacher Cheat Sheet: Why Did the U.S. Enter World War I in 1917? Analyzing Economic, Security, and Public Opinion Factors

Engage your students with a comprehensive DBQ worksheet and teacher cheat sheet that explore the complex factors behind the United States’ decision to enter World War I in 1917. This educational resource includes 10 primary sources, guiding analysis questions, and a sample answer key to help teachers facilitate critical discussions and streamline grading.

This DBQ package includes:

• 10 Primary Sources: Carefully selected sources offering different perspectives on U.S. motivations, such as economic ties, national security threats, and shifts in public opinion.

  • Economic Interests:
    • U.S. Trade Report (1915): Shows the economic importance of Allied markets as U.S. exports to the Allies grew, with American businesses increasingly reliant on these trade relationships.
    • Letter from J.P. Morgan & Co.: Highlights the financial stakes for American banks tied to Allied loans and the potential for economic collapse if the Allies lost the war.
  • National Security Concerns:
    • Zimmermann Telegram (1917): Uncovers Germany's proposal for an alliance with Mexico, posing a direct threat to U.S. national security.
    • Statement by President Woodrow Wilson: Frames the war as a defense of democratic values and security, supporting the argument for intervention.
  • Public Opinion:
    • New York Times Editorial (1917): Argues for action following German submarine attacks, reinforcing public sentiment for U.S. involvement.
    • Anti-War Pamphlet by the American Union Against Militarism: Represents the anti-war viewpoint, warning against sacrificing American lives in foreign conflicts.
    • Speech by Senator Robert La Follette: Critiques the economic motivations behind the war, emphasizing the divide between wealthy interests and public welfare.

• Analysis Questions and Cheat Sheet: Each source includes guiding questions for students and a complete teacher cheat sheet with sample answers, designed to help teachers facilitate analysis and understanding, while supporting grading consistency.

• Essay Prompt & Rubric: After analyzing the sources, students are prompted to answer, “What factors influenced the United States’ decision to enter World War I in 1917?” An included rubric helps teachers evaluate thesis development, evidence use, analysis, organization, writing style, historical context, and synthesis.

Learning Objectives:

• Interpret and analyze primary sources in historical context.
• Evaluate differing perspectives on U.S. foreign policy decisions.
• Develop a thesis-driven argument supported by historical evidence.
• Practice critical thinking and historical analysis through document-based questioning.

Common Core Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.1: Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.7: Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media.

Suggested Courses:
Ideal for U.S. History, AP U.S. History, Government, and World History classes, this DBQ is also a great tool for deeper learning and can be used as sub plans on American foreign policy and WWI topics.

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