Max+Comando's+Resource+File+-+The+Great+War

= The Great War - A World War I Resource File =

This is a resource file for World War One, otherwise known as the Great War. World War I is important because it marks the beginning of what is known as modern warfare, total war, and has major implications for future global conflicts. One of the deadliest conflicts in history with over 9 million killed, the end of the war essentially marked the end of empire and monarchical rule. Left in unprecedented ruin, the map of Europe was redrawn by war's end. This major conflict opened the door for the League of Nations to be established in an effort to promote international diplomacy and avoid another war leading to death, destruction, and ruin.

The Sources below are intended for use as resources to better understand the political, social, and economic impacts of World War I. The sources are intended for both teachers and students to use as a way to gain deeper insight into the nuanced and varied accounts of the war.

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__**Text Resources**__


 * A Short History of World War I - James L Stokesbury (Non-Fiction Book)**

[|This book]offers a well written and engaging account of the war. I would highly recommend assigning individual chapters to students in order to gain unparalleled insight into specific topics of the war. Great for teachers who want to brush up on the major points of the war without reading countless books. The first chapter, [|The Long Fuse], explains the tangled web of political affairs leading up the the great war in a clear and concise manner.

Stokesbury, J. L. A Short History of World War I (1981); BH Liddell Hart. Lexile Level – 1140


 * First World War: 15 legacies still with us today (Online Newspaper Article)**

On the 100th anniversary of British involvement in WWI, British newspaper The Guardian succinctly lays out [|15 legacies that are still impacting the world today]. These legacies include PTSD (Shell shock), the use of chemical weapons, propaganda films, pacifism, the middle east legacy, and women's emancipation to name a few. Each section is accompanied by primary source photographs, maps, or charts to emphasize the impact the war had on the modern world.

First world war: 15 legacies still with us today. (2014, January 15). Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/15/firstworldwar

Lexile Level – 1100


 * Black Poppies - Stephen Bourne (Article from History Today)**

Black Poppies is an article describing the contributions and efforts put forth by Black Britons during WW I. This secondary account melds a narrative of the experiences of Black Britons with primary source accounts from actual soldiers and wartime documents. This article outlines the many indignities faced by these soldiers as well as countless acts of bravery and valor in the face of the enemy. For students or teachers interested in exploring the subject more, the article lists additional resources related to the topic. (In case the link provided above, here is a permanent PDF file)

Bourne, S. (2013). Black Poppies. History Today, 63(10), 51-57. Lexile Level – 1030


 * The Origins of Chemical Warfare in the French Army - Jonathan Kraus (Journal Article from ****War in History)**

This journal article is ideal for educators looking to gain a deeper understanding of how and why chemical weapons were used in World War I. As one of the first large scale use of chemical warfare, it is an interesting look into the causes and effects of this new type of weaponry. The article depicts a bitter and vengeful France using chemical warfare against Germans who first employed chlorine gas on the battlefield. 



Krause, J. (2013). The Origins of Chemical Warfare in the French Army. War In History, 20(4), 545-556. Lexile Level – 1590


 * The Frontline Experiences of Russian Soldiers in 1914-1916 - Igor V. Narskii**


 * An analysis of primary sources** looks at firsthand experience of Russian soldiers along the Eastern Front of the WW I. Again, a resource for teachers looking to gain a deeper insight into the Russian mobilization effort and the impact of ordinary soldiers. While this has a high level of analysis, the primary sources that are embedded within the text could work well for students looking to engage with primary sources about the Eastern front. This article also looks forward into how training and experiences in WW I would serve soldiers serving in the Red Army of WW II.

Narskii, I. V. (2013). The Frontline Experience of Russian Soldiers in 1914-16. Russian Studies In History, 51(4), 31-49 Lexile Level – 1500


 * Teaching the Great War through Peace - Catherine K. Shortell & Troy R.E. Paddock**

It may be hard for teachers to design lessons regarding the Great War that don't take a particularly hawkish approach. However, Shortell and Paddock emphasize the teacher's ability to frame important elements of the war through the lens of peace. Many soldiers believed that the conflict which started in the Summer of 1914 would be resolved well before Christmas of that year. When it was not, soldiers on either side created an impromptu ceasefire on Christmas Eve. The article outlines Social Studies standards that can be met using this framework to teach the war. It is a worthy approach in the classroom to provide a glimpse of peace in a setting of unprecedented ruin.

Shortell, C. K., & Paddock, T. E. (2011). Teaching the Great War through Peace. History Teacher, 45//(1), 9-24 Lexile Level – 810


 * Web Based Resources**

[|World War One Timeline]

An interactive timeline from PBS that provides context for students and teachers alike. This timeline begins Pre-1914 and moves through each year of the war into Post-1919. Offering links throughout the information allows students to explore important people, places and concepts that made WW I one of the most important and unique wars ever fought

[|World War One Interactive Site]

This BBC site allows students to review various causes of the war, the western front, the British home front and outcomes of the war. Additionally there is a "Trench Warfare Game" where students must act as a general in charge of a battlefield. There is also an interactive timeline, a "quiz" called "world war when" and two graphic representations of famous poems related to WW I

[|Comprehensive Multimedia World War One Site]

One of the most comprehensive multimedia sites available for WW I. This site offers an in-depth look at critical battles, primary sources, weaponry and military strategies. It also depicts propaganda posters, vintage audio and video, a "who's who" of royalty, and personal narratives.

[|US Library of Congress - WWI Material]

The Unites States Library of Congress provides a comprehensive guide to WW I materials. These materials include a look at the African American experience in the war, historic music sheets, soldiers newspapers from 1918-1919, digital collections of newspaper articles, a link to exhibitions promoted by the library of congress and external links to websites that provide additional information.

[|US Military History in WW I]

A website dedicated to examining the role of American Military forces in WW I. This includes a list of American Armies and battlefields in Europe, and important posters from the time period. It also has a list of statistics regarding awards and medals honored for individuals who served in World War I. The site also provides an interesting insight into Veterans Day, formally known as Armistice Day. It looks at past perspectives of Veterans Day, the history of Veterans Day,




 * Unique Resources**

[|World War One Document Archive]

This website compiles an exhaustive list of primary and secondary documents related to world war one. Photos, diaries, treaties, official documents, books, commentaries and more are all found in one convenient site. Links to external sites are also provided for even more information.

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 * World War One in Six Minutes...**

[|WWI Political Cartoons] [|Cartoons Pt. 2]

An extensive list of WW I related cartoons. These are a great classroom resource to allow students to understand various political viewpoints. Click Here for a page on how to use political cartoons in lessons and a graphic organizer to provide scaffolding for students who may need help analyzing the messages and symbols embedded in the cartoons.


 * [|Songs of WW I]**

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 * __Films__ -** Both **[|Lawrence of Arabia] and [|War Horse]** are both movies related to WW I. Laurence of Arabia looks at[| the true story a British soldier] involved in the Middle Eastern theater of WW I whereas War Horse offers moving depictions of [|English Calvary divisions] fighting along the Western Front.

__**[|WW I Poetry]**__

[|A collection of famous WW I era poets and their biographies]. All of these individuals experienced and their poetry often reflects a bleak and grim outlook on life and the capabilities of human destruction.

By Siegfried Sassoon
I knew a simple soldier boy Who grinned at life in empty joy, Slept soundly through the lonesome dark, And whistled early with the lark. In winter trenches, cowed and glum,

With crumps and lice and lack of rum, He put a bullet through his brain. No one spoke of him again.

You smug-faced crowds with kindling eye Who cheer when soldier lads march by, Sneak home and pray you'll never know The hell where youth and laughter go.