Explain if it was possible for the United States to maintain neutrality in World War I

Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:

• Textbook: Chapter 18, 21, 23
• Lesson
• Minimum of 3 scholarly sources (in addition to the textbook). The sources associated with each topic selection below can be used as part of the 3 scholarly sources.

Optional Resources to Explore
Feel free to review the library guide for scholarly sources and videos at the following link:

• Link (website): History Library Guide (Links to an external site.)

Introduction
The purposes of each case study assignment include the following:

• To hone your abilities to research using scholarly sources
• To advance critical thinking and writing skills
• To compile a response to the prompts provided
• To explore a historical topic and make connections to change over time

Instructions
Pick one (1) of the following topics. Then, address the corresponding questions/prompts for your selected topic. Use at least one (1) documented example of the corresponding primary source in your writing.

Option 1: Big Business (Monopolies) and Exploitation of Workers
View the following resource:

• Link (video): The Progressive Era (Links to an external site.) (27:30)

Browse and read one (1) of the following:

• Link (article): Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (Links to an external site.)
• Link (library article): The Pullman Strike (Links to an external site.)

Then, address the following:

• Explain if big business leaders were “captains of industry,” “shrewd businessmen,” or “robber barons.”
• Based on one of the resources noted for this option, assess American working conditions and exploitation of workers in the Age of Industry.
• Analyze the role that government played in reforming American working conditions.
• Explain the benefits of the Federal Government regulations of monopolies.
• Analyze which progressive presidents attained economic justice and reform for workers.

Option 2: Who is A Progressive?
Review the following site:

• Link (website): Presidential Election of 1912: A Resource Guide (Links to an external site.)

Then, address the following:

• According to Roosevelt, what are the characteristics of a progressive?
• Explain and give examples of the characteristics of “anti-progressives.”
• Trace what types of activities “anti-progressives” engaged in?
• Analyze the goals of progressivism.
• Explain what areas of society progressives addressed?
• Analyze the progressive achievements Roosevelt highlights in his speech?

Option 3: World War I
Review the following resources:

• Link (video): A War to End All Wars: Part 2 (Links to an external site.)(6:56)
• Link (library article): The Treaty of Versailles and the Rise of Nazism (Links to an external site.)

Then, address the following:

• Trace the origins of World War I, and assess if the world war was inevitable in 1914?
• Explain if it was possible for the United States to maintain neutrality in World War I. If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.
• Analyze if the United States should have entered World War I to make the world safe for democracy.
• Analyze if the Treaty of Versailles was a fair and effective settlement for lasting world peace.
• Explain if the United States Senate should have approved of the Treaty of Versailles.

Writing Requirements (APA format)

• Length: 3-4 pages (not including title page or references page)
• 1-inch margins
• Double spaced
• 12-point Times New Roman font
• Title page
• References page
• In-text citations that correspond with your end referencesRequired Resources
  Read/review the following resources for this activity:
  • Textbook: Chapter 18, 21, 23
  • Lesson
  • Minimum of 3 scholarly sources (in addition to the textbook). The sources associated with each topic selection below can be used as part of the 3 scholarly sources.

  Optional Resources to Explore
  Feel free to review the library guide for scholarly sources and videos at the following link:

  • Link (website): History Library Guide (Links to an external site.)

  Introduction
  The purposes of each case study assignment include the following:

  • To hone your abilities to research using scholarly sources
  • To advance critical thinking and writing skills
  • To compile a response to the prompts provided
  • To explore a historical topic and make connections to change over time

  Instructions
  Pick one (1) of the following topics. Then, address the corresponding questions/prompts for your selected topic. Use at least one (1) documented example of the corresponding primary source in your writing.

  Option 1: Big Business (Monopolies) and Exploitation of Workers
  View the following resource:

  • Link (video): The Progressive Era (Links to an external site.) (27:30)

  Browse and read one (1) of the following:

  • Link (article): Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (Links to an external site.)
  • Link (library article): The Pullman Strike (Links to an external site.)

  Then, address the following:

  • Explain if big business leaders were “captains of industry,” “shrewd businessmen,” or “robber barons.”
  • Based on one of the resources noted for this option, assess American working conditions and exploitation of workers in the Age of Industry.
  • Analyze the role that government played in reforming American working conditions.
  • Explain the benefits of the Federal Government regulations of monopolies.
  • Analyze which progressive presidents attained economic justice and reform for workers.

  Option 2: Who is A Progressive?
  Review the following site:

  • Link (website): Presidential Election of 1912: A Resource Guide (Links to an external site.)

  Then, address the following:

  • According to Roosevelt, what are the characteristics of a progressive?
  • Explain and give examples of the characteristics of “anti-progressives.”
  • Trace what types of activities “anti-progressives” engaged in?
  • Analyze the goals of progressivism.
  • Explain what areas of society progressives addressed?
  • Analyze the progressive achievements Roosevelt highlights in his speech?

  Option 3: World War I
  Review the following resources:

  • Link (video): A War to End All Wars: Part 2 (Links to an external site.)(6:56)
  • Link (library article): The Treaty of Versailles and the Rise of Nazism (Links to an external site.)

  Then, address the following:

  • Trace the origins of World War I, and assess if the world war was inevitable in 1914?
  • Explain if it was possible for the United States to maintain neutrality in World War I. If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.
  • Analyze if the United States should have entered World War I to make the world safe for democracy.
  • Analyze if the Treaty of Versailles was a fair and effective settlement for lasting world peace.
  • Explain if the United States Senate should have approved of the Treaty of Versailles.

  Writing Requirements (APA format)

  • Length: 3-4 pages (not including title page or references page)
  • 1-inch margins
  • Double spaced
  • 12-point Times New Roman font
  • Title page
  • References page
  • In-text citations that correspond with your end references