The Sinking of the Lusitania: A Pivotal Moment in US Entry into WWI

Unravel the story behind the infamous sinking of the Lusitania and its dramatic impact on American public opinion during World War I. This engaging reading comprehension activity delves into the deadly gamble of unrestricted submarine warfare, the tragic loss of innocent lives, and the pivotal shift that pushed the United States towards joining the war.

Dive Deeper:

• Unrestricted Warfare: Analyze the strategic reasoning behind Germany's decision to escalate submarine attacks, raising the risk of civilian casualties.
• A Deadly Encounter: Explore the details of the Lusitania sinking, the loss of American lives, and the resulting public outcry.
• Turning Point in Public Opinion: Understand how this event fueled anti-German sentiment and significantly altered the landscape of American neutrality.
• A Lasting Legacy: Grasp the far-reaching consequences of the Lusitania tragedy, including its contribution to the US joining the war effort.
• Dive into a Primary Source: Analyze an excerpt from President Wilson's Lusitania Note, revealing the outrage and demand for Germany to abandon its policy of unrestricted submarine warfare.

Content Summary:

This reading comprehension delves into the tragic sinking of the Lusitania, a pivotal event that significantly impacted the United States' decision to enter World War I. Students will analyze the context of unrestricted submarine warfare, the loss of American lives, and the emotional and political consequences that ultimately pushed the US towards joining the Allied forces

Strengthen Critical Thinking Skills:

• Grapple with multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions.
• Utilize a detailed answer key for efficient assessment.
• Align with essential Common Core State Standards.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the strategic implications of Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare policy and its disregard for civilian safety.
• Comprehend the historical context surrounding the Lusitania sinking, the significant loss of American lives, and the ensuing public outrage.
• Evaluate the pivotal role the Lusitania tragedy played in shaping American public opinion and ultimately influencing the decision to enter World War I.
• Understand the lasting impact of the Lusitania sinking as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the potential for civilian casualties.

Common Core State Standards Addressed:

• RI.6.1, RI.7.1, RI.8.1, RI.9-10.1, RI.11-12.1: Close reading and analysis of informational text.
• RI.6.2, RI.7.2, RI.8.2, RI.9-10.2, RI.11-12.2: Determine central ideas and supporting details.
• RI.6.3, RI.7.3, RI.8.3, RI.9-10.3, RI.11-12.3: Analyze how and why events unfold.
• W.6.2, W.7.2, W.8.2, W.9-10.2, W.11-12.2: Write informative/explanatory texts clearly and accurately.

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