Task:
The world’s biggest cycling event is coming up and all of the news networks are preparing to show this event for the next 9 weeks.  All the major networks, GBC1, GBC2, GBC3, and GBC4 will have the event on live each day.  The event is called the Tour De Germany and cyclists from around the world will be participating including famous American cyclist Lance Armstrong 7-time runner up in the tour.  The event starts in Berlin travels through Belgium to Paris, across the English Channel through England then from Liverpool a ferry will carry the cyclists to New York.  The event will finish in San Diego, the capital of the United German States of America. 

In this webquest you will imagine the effects of the United States not intervening in the Great War.  In order to understand the consequences of this event you will examine the major events of WWI and how the United States changed the course of the war.

Each of you will become a French, Belgium, or British Citizen asking the United States for help.  You will write a letter to president Wilson explaining to him why the United States must enter the war and defeat the Germans. 

Process:
1.  Read the following article outlining the major causes of the Great War.  You might also want to look though your notes. 

http://www.firstworldwar.com/origins/causes.htm

2.  Here is an overview of all the major battles of the Great War. 

http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/index.htm

3.  Now read through the following battles and note the significance of each on a separate sheet of paper.  Use the following example of how to set up your notes. 

a. The First Battle of the Marne
http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/marne1.htm

b.  The Second Battle of Ypres
http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/ypres2.htm

c.  The Battle of Verdun
http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/verdun.htm

d.  The Battle of Somme
http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/somme.htm

e.  The Second Battle of the Aisne
http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/aisne2.htm

f.  The Battle of Cantigny
http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/cantigny.htm

g.  The Battle of Belleau Wood
http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/belleau.htm

h.  The Second Battle of the Marne
http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/marne2.htm

i.  The Battle of Epehy
http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/epehy.htm

4.  Compile your notes and show them to Mr. Hersch to be checked off. 

5.  Now your ready to write your leader to President Wilson.  Using the information you have read about and taking notes on begin writing your letter as if you’re living in France or Britain.  Your letter needs to include the following information. 
         a.  A desperate plea for help
         b.  Outline the struggles your country has had fighting the Germans (describe fighting conditions of Great War)
         c.  Why the Americans can help (think of industry, and location)
         d.  What would world be like if the Germans capture Paris/London.  Think about Alsace-Loraine, Zimmerman Telegram, Attacks on the UK, etc (This one is important)
         e. Express gratitude for considering offers and recap reasons why Americans should get involved

Conclusion

Our world would be dramatically different if Germany had won the Great War.  As we get ready for the Tour De Germany think about the changes that would have taken place in the world had the United States not entered the Great War. 

Credits

Thanks to Dan McDowell and http://webquest.sdsu.edu/