The U.S. Involvement in the Paris Peace Conference: The Fate of Alsace-Lorraine

Author: Ian McDougall

School: Primarily Teaching

Grade Level: 4th

Time Estimated: 2 days (90 minute periods)

Overview

For this lesson, students will be looking at a variety of information about the Paris Peace Conference of 1919. This pivotal point in history sought to right the wrongs of Europe but instead created a tinderbox awaiting a match. Students should have some background knowledge of World War I and also the Paris Peace Conference. This lesson is designed to be taught over 2-4 classes, depending on class length or schedule. It is a process which will start with evaluating documents and finish with a compare and contrast exercise. One area this lesson could be expanded to another area affected by the redrawing of lines. I could easily have picked the Middle East or Eastern Europe as a main focus because there was a great deal of information in the archives. This could be a great expansion activity or extra credit assignment for students to explore.

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