United States History II

1st Quarter – Paper or Presentation

Objective: students will reinforce course content while developing their

writing and research skills.

Assignment: students are to select (1) of the following statements and write

an essay or produce a presentation that fully answers the question:

1. What is trench warfare, and why was so much of World War I dominated by this method of fighting? Consider such elements as technology, strategy, attitudes of leaders, and any other factors you can think of. How did trench warfare affect the duration of the war?

2. After the war, Germany was punished much more severely than were the remnants of Austria-Hungary. Do you think this was reasonable? In your answer, consider the roles each country shared in starting and escalating the war. Also consider the roles of Serbia and Russia.

3. How did the use of new technologies during World War I influence the war? Which sides benefited the most from which technologies? Did any of them play a role in either lengthening or in shortening the war? Which technologies were the most important?

4. Discuss the U.S. policy on American troops serving in Europe during World War I. Why do you think American commanders were hesitant to allow U.S. soldiers to serve in British and French regiments? What effect did this policy have on America’s relations with the other Allied countries?

Requirements: please keep in mind the following when completing the assignment:

§ Papers must be a minimum of 3 complete pages – double spaced, font 12 and Times New Roman with standard margins.

§ Papers should have a works cited page. (no minimum)

§ Presentations need to be a minimum of 11 slides

§ Presentations need to include graphics(pictures, charts, maps, etc.)

Due Date: Friday November 2nd

§ this paper will count as 100 points toward your 1st quarter grade

Class Time: we will spend time in the library/classroom so you can research and work on your paper, but you will need to work outside of the class.

§ GET ORGANIZED on this assignment; do not wait until the last minute!!!