World War I DBQ

Sachem Central School District
World War I DBQ Using Primary Source Documents DOCUMENT-BASED QUESTION

This question is based on the accompanying documents. It is designed to test your ability to work with historical documents. Some of the documents have been edited for the purposes of the question. As you analyze the documents, take into account the source of each document and any point of view that may be presented in the document.
Historical Context: Since its founding the United States had traditionally followed a foreign policy of noninvolvement in European Affairs. But by 1917, developments in transportation and communication brought distant parts of the world closer. Trade with Europe and concern for the future of democracy eventually brought America into WWI. World War I changed many aspects of American society and led to a shift in U.S. foreign policy away from isolationism and toward involvement in world affairs.
Task: Using the information from the documents and your knowledge of social studies, write an essay in which you: discuss three ways in which World War I impacted American Society. discuss three circumstances that led to the shift in the American position regarding entrance into World War I.
Guidelines: In your essay, be sure to: Develop all aspects of the task Incorporate information from at least four documents Incorporate relevant outside information Discuss each aspect of your thesis evenly, be more analytical than descriptive. Support the theme with relevant facts, examples, and details Use a logical and clear plan of organization, including an introduction that contains a thesis statement that gives examples. Develop a conclusion that restates the thesis and summarizes the essay.
Document 1
1. What was the main idea of the document? [1]
2. Why did WWI change Americans support for the law proposed in the document above? [1]
Document 2
3. What were some of the motives behind Germanys sending of the document to Mexico? [1]
4. Can you explain what must have happened when the American public found out about this document? [1]
Document 3
The Crowning Achievement of the German Navy
May 3, 1916
5.
How is the U-boat depicted in this cartoon? [1]
5a.
What does the sinking ship represent? [1]
Document 3
5b.
Whose newspaper do you think this cartoon appeared in? What does the illustrator think is going to happen in the
6.
Did Wilson live up to his re-election campaign with the slogan, "He kept us out of war." (1)
6a.
Can you make a prediction based on the year the cartoon appeared? [1]
6b.
What effect do you think US involvement will have on the outcome of World War I? [1]
Document 4
Woodrow Wilsons Peace Without Victory Speech ... Neutrality is no longer feasible or desirable where the peace of the world is involved and the freedom of its peoples, and the menace to that peace and freedom lies in existence of autocratic governments backed by organized force which is controlled wholly by their will, not by the will of the people. We have seen the last of neutrality in these circumstancesthe world must be made safe for democracy: its peace must be planted upon the tested foundation of liberty. We have no selfish ends to serve. We desire no conquest, no dominion. We seek no indemnities for ourselves, no material compensation for the sacrifices we shall freely make
Woodrow Wilson- speech to U.S. Senate on January 22,1917.
7. What is the main idea behind Wilsons abandonment of U.S. neutrality and entry into WWI? [1]
8. What were some of the motivations behind Wilsons decision to enter WWI? [2]
Document 5
The Chicago Defender, Letters to the Newspaper Editor (1917) Houston, Texas, 4-29-17. Dear Sir: I am a constant reader of the "Chicago Defender" and in your last issue I saw a want ad for help in the factories building weapons for the Great War that appealed to me. I am a Negro, age 37, and am an all round metal worker with 10 years experience at the business, and hold good references from several shops, in which I have been employed. It is hard for a black man to hold a job here, as prejudice is very strong. I have never been discharged on account of dissatisfaction with my work, but I have been "let out" on account of my color. I have a family and am anxious to leave here, but have not the means, and as wages are not much here, it is very hard to save enough money to travel north. If you know of any firms that are in need of a metal worker and whom you think would send me money for transportation, I would be pleased to be put in touch with them and I assure you that effort would be appreciated. I am a metal worker but I am willing to do any honest work. All I want is to get away from here. I am writing you and I believe you can and will help me. If any one will send transportation, I will arrange or agree to have it taken out of my salary until the full amount of fare is paid. I hope that you will give this your immediate attention as I am anxious to get busy and be on my way. I am ready to start at any time, and would be pleased to hear something favorable.
9. What were the main problems faced by African Americans in the South prior to the Great Migration [1]
10. Compare the effect that WWI had on the lives of African Americans with the effect it had on the lives of women in the United States. [1]
Document 6
World War I U.S. Propaganda Posters
11. Explain five ways that propaganda posters were used to influence Americans behavior to help support the war. [5] a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Document 7
Landmark Supreme Court Cases Schenck v. U.S.
The Facts of the Case: Charles Schenck was arrested for violating the Espionage Act, passed by Congress in 1914. The Espionage Act made it illegal to defame the government or do anything that might retard the war effort. Schenck, a member of the Socialist Party, opposed the war and printed and distributed pamphlets urging citizens to oppose the draft which he likened to slavery. Schenck claimed his first amendment rights were violated. The Supreme Court Decision: The court ruled against Schenck saying that the Espionage Act did not violate the first amendment and that in times of war the government may place reasonable limitations on freedom of speech. Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes outlined the courts opinion by explaining that when a "clear and present danger" existed such as shouting fire in a crowded theater, freedom of speech may be limited.
12. Using the information in the document explain why the government arrested Charles Schenck. Back up your answer with specific examples from the document. [1]
13. What were the motives behind Charles Schencks protest against WWI. Back up your answer with specific examples from the document. [2]
14. Can you defend the Supreme Courts decision in this case? Back up your answer with specific examples from the document. [2]

World War I DBQ

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How did World War I impact American society?

What circumstances led to the shift in the American position regarding entrance into World War I?

Sachem Central School District

World War I DBQ Using Primary Source Documents DOCUMENT-BASED QUESTION

1. What was the main idea of the document? [1]

The Crowning Achievement of the German Navy

How is the U-boat depicted in this cartoon? [1]

What does the sinking ship represent? [1]

World War I U.S. Propaganda Posters

Landmark Supreme Court Cases Schenck v. U.S.

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