This Great War Round Table simulation is a nice way to engage with the historical figures mentioned, and
some that have not been, in the readings we have done for class and it is an alternative way to exercise your
knowledge about European History.
RESEARCH & WRITING: Time to prepare for this activity will require a minimum of a week, perhaps more
depending on the level of the students. This could be assigned as a homework assignment with preparation
outside of class mixed with class time to prepare and answer questions of the students as the arise.
ACTIVITY: The Great War Round Table simulation can be a 1-2 class period activity. The class can be
divided into small groups with a timed discussion. After a particular amount of time a rotation can occur
which allows for new interactions with individuals. As time allows a second day could be allowed for the
activity with continued rotations.
RESEARCH & WRITING:
Determine the role of a specific person affected by the Great War and describe how their life was altered as a
result of the fighting
ACTIVITY:
Identify ways in which the Great War was changing the world and the impact it had on culture, politics,
social interactions and economic futures of the combatants
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.1.B
Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and
limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience's knowledge level and concerns.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.1.E
Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4
Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners
can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to
purpose, audience, and task.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.7
Integrate quantitative or technical analysis (e.g., charts, research data) with qualitative analysis in print or
digital text.
Textbook: McKay, John, Bennett D Hill, John Buckler, Clare Haru Crowston, Merry Wiesner-Hanks,
and Joe Perry. A History of Western Society: Since 1300 For Advanced Placement 11th ed. Boston:
Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2011. (Or comparable College Board approved AP European approved text)
Students should research secondary sources, in the time allowed, and choosing secondary resources that help with the context portion of the written statement.
Each student group should research their specific person using both primary and secondary sources. The
following links provide a starting point in seeking out those documents
http://theworldwar.pastperfectonline.com/search
https://www.theworldwar.org/education
https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/first-world-war
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01nb93y
/whistlestop/study_collections/personal/large/ww1_letters/ww1_letters.htm
https://wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/Main_Page
https://www.loc.gov/topics/world-war-i/
https://ucsd.libguides.com/c.php?g=90745&p=983385
https://www.archives.gov/research/alic/reference/military/ww1
To research your character and determine his or her positions on the issue of World War 1, their role in the
war and how they see themselves in society.
Listed below are possible items up for discussion during the Round Table. Not only should you know where your character stands on these issues, you should know how he or she would react in conversation to other guests of the round table. This simulation can be great if you put forth the effort!
1. The definition of being a citizen of the world
2. The relationship of government to the individual, and vice versa
3. The role of the ruler as servant of the people, and vice versa
4. The rights possessed by the people (all genders, all creeds, all colors)
5. Whether the government is a positive for society, a necessary evil, or an abomination
6. Attitudes towards such specific topics as science, religion, social classes, women, education, the right to revolt, and religious wars. (not all of these but some may come up in your research)
7. You may CHOOSE to dress-up as your character.
You will be graded on your written preparation along with your performance during the Round
Table. During the activity, my primary role is to announce transitions or new stages of the discussion and to
listen to your dialogue. I will help facilitate the introductions, but mostly I will be listening to your
comments. Characters are supposed to discuss the issues with those around them at the Round Table.
Points will be deducted if: you are found to be ignorant of your characters position, you are not
participating, you cannot answer questions from others or you are discussing your winter break plans instead
of the issues.
If you are absent you must write a dialogue that would have occurred between two characters at the
Round Table. Your dialogue must contain four of the six issues to be discussed, it must be typed, and
submitted via email or turned in to me in person.
The structure of the Round Table should be a seminar/discussion. Everyone should participate by
asking questions or raising ideas throughout the salon from the above topics. While this is based on
historical events, obviously not all of these people would have had the chance to interact in reality so it it up
to you to be able to facilitate a conversation.
Writing Component:
The pre-seminar required writing assignment would be an introductory paper about your character and their
viewpoints and beliefs on a variety of topics. This written component will be typed; Times New Roman
12-point.
- Introductory paragraph should be offering context and be a biographical sketch of your characters life. This would include the resume type of information; birthplace, education, training, work, writings etc.
- The subsequent paragraphs will include specific viewpoints on three of the six topics listed above under tasks. These viewpoints would be synonymous with your assigned character.
- You should also have a separate page of at least five questions targeted towards other characters of the Round Table and their viewpoints or beliefs. Be sure that you identify the other character.
- Make sure to have clear, proper, organized paragraphs and sentences
- Try to keep all of your verbs in the same tense
- Be formal in your word choice; try to avoid slang and “cliches”
- Remember that you are presenting your historical figure and their views in a positive, professional way, only include the type of information that they would want presented.
You must complete a MLA formatted works cited page
Great War Round Table Figures
Leon Trotsky
James Reese Europe
Jeannette Rankin
Edward House
H.L. Mencken
Wilfred Owen
Herbert Hoover
Harry Truman
Henry Johnson
Needham Roberts
Maria Bochkareva
Eugene V. Debs
Edith Cavell
Alvin C. York
Robert La Follette
John Reed
Carrie Chapman Catt
Henry Ford
Alexander Kerensky
Charles Whittlesey
Christian Celius Nicolaisen
William Jennings Bryan
Mary Roberts Rinehart
Horace Pippin
T.E. Lawrence
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING IN PREPARATION FOR THE SALON.
In what ways do you think your life or accomplishments are important?
With what persons or ideas at the round table do you agree or disagree? Why?
What are your goals during and after the war?
Is this truly "a war to end all wars? Why or why not?
How does one obtain: knowledge, justice, happiness?
What is your attitude toward: women, poor, government, and ethnic minorities? (remember to portray your
person BUT be school appropriate and sensitive to the situation)
What role should government play in society?
What is the best way to organize a political system? society? economy?
What are your goals for your group, country, world?