Alabama Social Studies SS24.5.5a

Social Studies5th GradeProgressive Era and World War I

The Standard

Identify and explain international events that led to the United States’ entry into World War I.

2024 Alabama Course of Study: Social Studies

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students identify the sinking of the Lusitania, Germany's renewed submarine attacks, and the Zimmermann Telegram. They explain how attacks on ships and Germany's proposed alliance with Mexico pushed U.S. leaders toward war.
What Mastery Looks Like: Students place the 1915 sinking of the Lusitania before the events of 1917. They explain that the sinking caused anger but did not bring immediate U.S. entry, while Germany's actions in 1917 helped prompt it.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think the Lusitania was a U.S. ship or that its sinking brought the United States into the war right away. They may think Mexico attacked the United States, rather than receiving a German proposal it did not accept.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: Name two events that pushed the United States toward war in 1917. Explain how each affected the U.S. decision.

Lesson moves

Give pairs dated event cards for the Lusitania, submarine attacks, the Zimmermann Telegram, and the U.S. declaration; have them arrange and connect the cards.
Ask students to write: Why did the Lusitania sinking not bring immediate U.S. entry, while Germany's actions in 1917 did?
Play a matching game with event cards and consequence cards; partners must explain each match before keeping it.
Bring a food package with a country-of-origin label; trace its route on a map and discuss why attacks on trade ships worried Americans.

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