Isolationism vs. Intervention
YOU DECIDE!
Europe is engulfed in a war that is threatening to change the make-up of the world super
powers. The United States is an ocean away and relatively unthreatened by the fighting
taking place. However, our allies and friends are struggling and finding it more difficult
to resist the advancing armies of their enemies.
At home in the United States, the population is divided. Half want to help our friends,
ensure their survival, and have a say in what the world will be like after the fighting is
over. The other half believe this is not our fight and we should let the European powers
fight themselves.
The question that lies before you is this….on which side do you stand?
You will perform research into the events, opinions, and circumstances surrounding the
lead up to U.S. participation in the war. After you have completed your research, you
will develop a thesis statement and write 3 paragraphs to support your thesis. Within
each paragraph, you will cite from sources you have found. The final paper must include
5 citations from 2 different sources, 1 must be from a primary source document. A list of
websites containing relevant primary sources will be provided. However, you can find
other relevant sources on your own. Proper MLA style of citation and a Works Cited
page will be required. Prior to writing your paper, you must submit a “proposal page” for
approval by either Mr. Scheid or Mrs. Patterson. You must also submit one rough draft
prior to your final submission, peer reviewed. Final papers are due Thursday, December
20.
Isolationism vs. Intervention Research Paper Primary Sources
Original Statement of U.S. Neutrality (Isolationism)
http://wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/President_Wilson%27s_Declaration_of_Neutrality
Message for U.S. to Arm Merchant Ships
http://wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/The_US_Statement_on_the_Status_of_Armed_Merchant_Ve
ssels
Sec. of State William Jennings Bryan Opinion of the War
http://wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/Letter_Concerning_William_Jennings_Bryan%27s_Opinion_of
_the_Great_War
Sec. of State William Jennings Bryan Letter to Great Britain
http://wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/U.S._Protests_Against_Maritime_Warfare
U.S. Reaction to Lusitania Sinking
https://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/bryan2.htm
President Wilson’s Reaction to Passenger Ship (Sussex) being sunk
http://wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/Wilson_on_the_Sussex_Case
German Declaration of Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/uboat_bernstorff.htm
Zimmerman Telegram
http://www.archives.gov/global-pages/largerimage.html?i=/education/lessons/zimmermann/images/decoded-messagel.jpg&c=/education/lessons/zimmermann/images/decoded-message.caption.html
President Wilson’s Final Attempt at Isolationism
http://wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/Address_of_the_President_of_the_United_States_to_the_Se
nate
President Wilson Asks for Declaration of War
http://wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/Wilson%27s_War_Message_to_Congress
Newspaper Editorial for War
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/4939