A Springboard for the 20th Century
T
his curriculum unit, which can be used
either in European, World, or U.S. History
classes, succinctly sets the stage for the history
of the 20th century. It addresses the causes and
effects of World War I both domestically and
abroad, the Paris Peace Conference at which the
Treaty of Versailles was written and signed, and
the debate in the U.S. Senate about whether to
join the League of Nations and ratify the treaty.
To End All Wars: World War I and
the League of Nations Debate
The unit introduces students to concepts
such as isolationism and multilateralism, contrasting underpinnings of foreign policy which
have had lasting effects on America’s role in the
world. It also introduces students to some of the
leading voices of the 20th century and explores
the diplomacy and decision-making after World
War I that still influence the world today.
Student readings examine World War I and
domestic policies of the time, the negotiations
in Paris, and the effect the Senate debate on the
League of Nations had on U.S. and world affairs
for the remainder of the century.
In addition to student readings, the materials
contain role-plays, lesson plans, and resources
for constructing cooperative learning and simulations. The lessons are described in greater detail on
the reverse. These materials challenge students to:
•read, understand, and interpret maps
•evaluate and work with primary sources
•understand relationships between domestic and international affairs
•recognize political commentary
•analyze and evaluate multiple perspectives on an issue
•explore relationships between history and current issues
•communicate in written and oral presentations
•collaborate with peers
Choices curricula offer teachers a flexible resource for covering course material while actively
engaging students and developing skills in critical thinking, deliberative discourse, persuasive writing, and informed civic participation. Teachers may choose to use all or only sections of readings and
lesson plans to suit their classrooms.
Ordering Information
Teacher sets (consisting of a student text and a teacher resource book) are available for $18 each.
Permission is granted to duplicate and distribute the student text and handouts for classroom use
with appropriate credit given. Duplicates may not be resold. Classroom sets (15 or more student texts)
may be ordered at $9 per copy. A teacher resource book is included free with each classroom set.
Teacher sets can also be downloaded for $15 each.
Print and download copies may be ordered at http://www.choices.edu/wilson.php
or by calling (401) 863-3155.
Choices for the 21st Century Education Program ■ Watson Institute for International Studies, Brown University ■ www.choices.edu
To End All Wars:
World War I and the
League of Nations Debate
How did World War I affect the
20th century?
In 1917, President Wilson called for a “just
and secure peace.” His vision for a new world
order following World War I was far-reaching
and radical at the time.
Using readings, simulations, and primary
sources, students explore the causes and effects
of World War I both domestically and abroad,
the Paris Peace Conference, and the debate
in the U.S. Senate about whether to join the
League of Nations and ratify the treaty. Students
recreate this Senate debate in a role play that
highlights contrasting visions for U.S. policy.
LESSONS
Songs of World War I — Through investigation of
song lyrics of the Great War, students gain historical perspective and understand the changing
nature of the war and public opinion.
Poetry of World War I — Students examine wartime
poems written from a variety of perspectives.
The Big Four — Using Wilson’s 14 Points, background briefings explaining the countries’
interests, and two maps of Europe, one political
and one ethnolinguistic, students recreate a meeting at the Paris Peace Conference where leaders
redrew the map of Europe.
Madame Claire’s Salon
Role Playing the Three Options — Students work
cooperatively, using primary sources, to present
the three options the Senate considered regarding the League of Nations. A fourth group plays
undecided Senators, who question and evaluate
the option groups.
Wilson’s Legacy — Students examine excerpts
of foreign policy speeches made by different
U.S. presidents in order to assess the impact of
“Wilsonian” thought on subsequent U.S. foreign
policy.
“
I can predict with absolute certainty
that, within another generation, there
will be another world war if the
nations of the world…if the League
of Nations…does not prevent it by
concerted action.”
— Woodrow Wilson, September 1919
LESSON IN DETAIL
Madame Claire’s Salon — This lesson can serve
as a foundation for 20th century history. Students
take on the roles of less prominent figures from
the time of the Paris Peace Conference who were
not invited to negotiate the terms of the Treaty of
Versailles. These figures, such as W.E.B. DuBois,
Prince Feisal, Ho Chi Minh, and Leon Trotsky
meet to air their concerns. Students come away
with an understanding of the effect of the individuals’ absence from major decision making on
the course of world history.
Resources include Wilson’s Fourteen Points, the Covenant of the League of Nations, the Lodge
Reservations, and speeches given by Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, Nixon, and Clinton. The unit also includes photos of telegrams and letters, as well as comparative maps, biographies of selected international
political figures, lyrics of British, Canadian, and American songs from World War I, and European poems.
Choices for the 21st Century Education Program ■ Watson Institute for International Studies, Brown University ■ www.choices.edu