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Worksheet
Curated OER

American Isolationism and Entrance into World War I

For Students 8th - 12th
In this 20th century U.S. history learning exercise, students read articles about American Isolationism and entrance into World War I. Students then respond to 15 short answer questions.
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eBook
OpenStax

Open Stax: World War Ii 1941 1945: Origins of War: Europe, Asia and United States

For Students 11th - 12th
Examines the conditions that fostered the rise of Fascism and Nazism, the events during the lead-up to the outbreak of war, and what Roosevelt did to help affected nations yet still keep the United States neutral.
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Unit Plan
Department of Defense

Do Dea: Ap Us History: Unit 3: The Growing Republic

For Students 9th - 10th
This extensive learning module examines how the United States' efforts to increase foreign trade, add new territory, and isolate itself from Europe affected its foreign policy and other initiatives. It investigates how advances in...
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Handout
University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania: The Abraham Lincoln Brigade of the Spanish Civil War

For Students 9th - 10th
An interesting look at the Lincoln Brigade and those who served in it fighting in Spain against the fascists in the Spanish Civil War.
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Lesson Plan
Yale University

Yale New Haven Teachers Institute: The Foreign Policy of Franklin D. Roosevelt

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Describes Roosevelt's policies towards Pan-America, involvement in the global conflict, and entry into World War II. Included are sample lessons and a bibliography. (Published in 1978)
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Handout
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Fdr and World War Ii

For Students 9th - 10th
Discusses how Franklin D. Roosevelt guided the United States through World War II and laid the groundwork for Harry Truman to assume the role after his death.
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Website
Library of Congress

Loc: Today in History: July 17: The Spanish Civil War

For Students 9th - 10th
The Spanish Civil War was a precursor of the tumult of World War II. Read a brief description of those involved in this civil war and see posters supporting each side.
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Website
US Department of State

Office of the Historian: Washington's Farewell Address

For Students 9th - 10th
President Washington's departing remarks set foreign policy practices for the next century and a half. He warned against foreign alliances and argued for isolationism. Read a brief summary of his remarks.
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Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Senate Passed Lend Lease Bill

For Students 3rd - 8th
How did the U.S. give aid to European countries fighting World War II when we were not supposed to be getting involved. See how President Roosevelt got around this by visiting this Library of Congress site.
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Article
US Senate

Historical Minutes: Merchants of Death

For Students 9th - 10th
A review of the Senate hearings held by Senator Gerald Nye investigating the possibility that munitions manufacturers had forced the United States into World War I in order to increase their profits. Read how the course of these hearings...
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Website
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: Reactions to a Troubled World

For Students 5th - 8th
Read about the rising militarism and fascism in Europe and Asia as dictators expanded their territories. See how the United States reacted with its series of three neutrality acts.
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Primary
ibiblio

Ibiblio: World War Ii Resources: 1935 Neutrality Act

For Students 9th - 10th
Text of Franklin Roosevelt's approval of the Neutrality Act of 1935, passed by the Congress in August, 1935. Read why Roosevelt thinks this act is a reasonable reflection of American foreign policy in the mid-1930s.