LibGuide: World War I - The war to end all wars

John Green talks about American involvement in World War I, which at the time was called the Great War. They didn't know there was going to be a second one, though they probably should have guessed, 'cause this one didn't wrap up very neatly. So, the United States stayed out of World War I at first, because Americans were in an isolationist mood in the early 20th century. That didn't last though, as the affronts piled up and drew the US into the war. Spoiler alert: the Lusitania was sunk two years before we joined the war, so that wasn't the sole cause for our jumping in. It was part of it though, as was the Zimmerman telegram, unrestricted submarine warfare, and our affinity for the Brits. You'll learn the war's effects on the home front, some of Woodrow Wilson's XIV Points, and just how the war ended up expanding the power of the government in Americans' lives.

Databases:

Britannica
High School Edition

Infotrac Student Edition

United States History in Context

World History in Context

Webpages

First World War: 100 Years On Photographs of locations of significant events occurring in World War I in England, France, and Belgium in the years 1914-1916 can be seen again today simply by clicking on the picture. It dramatically changes to the same spot a century later. Many of the buildings still stand after the devastating effects of the war. The photos present a juxtaposition of war and peace, from black and white to color. From a hospital in England, a wounded Indian soldier wrote, “This is not war. It is the ending of the world.” Follow the link to part two, the end and aftermath.
Topic: World War I Language: English Lexile: 1400 Image collection http://www.theguardian.com

The Eastern Front, 1914-17 This collection of documents accompanies information on the eastern front during World War I. Not only will you learn about the impact of Russia's decision to enter the war in mid 1914, but you will also learn about Russia's early battles, the losses Russia sustained, and the events that led to Russia's withdrawal from the war. You have the opportunity to examine related documents and photographs as well as listen to an audio clip of a Russian soldier being described. Topic: World War I--Russia Language: English Lexile: 1250 Primary Source Material
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

Battles of World War I Background information, strategies, and effects of battles.

War in the Air Airplanes were primitive when World War I began, but that didn't stop militaries from trying to use them. See a pilot and a gunner in an open-air cockpit, and other World War I images of planes. Reconnaissance was the first role of military aircraft. Pilots and spotters took photographs of enemy trenches. They determined where to find the enemy and where artillery fire was striking. Single-seat fighters were used by Canadian pilots to take down enemy aircraft and balloons. Bombers began to be used, although they were inaccurate. Germans used Zeppelins for bombing.
Topic: Military airplanes--History Language: English Lexile: 1110 Image collection Primary Source Material http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca

World War I: Treaties and Reparations The victors in World War I stripped the defeated countries of part of their land and demanded reparation payments. The war had ended multiple empires and established new successor states. Austria was forbidden from unifying with Germany, while Hungary ceded lands and became independent. The former Ottoman Empire was also partitioned. President Wilson had his Fourteen Points plan, but European Allies had different plans for Germany. Germany was forced to concede territories, demilitarize, give up its colonies, and pay for material damages. The harsh terms were intended to keep Germany from starting another war, but the burden stirred Nazi ideology.
Topic: War reparations Language: English Lexile: 1500 Encyclopedia http://www.ushmm.org

1914-1918 The Great War and the Shaping of the Twentieth Century
From PBS. Timeline, Maps & Battles, and much more

1914-1918 The Great War
Terrific site with comprehensive information.

National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial
Excellent site with photographs, an excellent, interactive timeline and more.

World War I: The War to End All Wars