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Library of Congress: Recordings from WWI and the 1920 Election
Details
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Activity Website:
Activity Description
This historical site consists of fifty-nine sound recordings of speeches by American leaders at the turn of the century. The speeches focus on issues and events surrounding the First World War and the presidential election of 1920. Text of speeches is also available. RealAudio, MP3, or Windows Media player is needed to listen to the recordings. (Most PC's probably have at least the Windows Media Player.)
Screenshot of American Leaders Speak: Recordings from World War I
Preparation
Students should have a basic previous knowledge of the events before, during, and after World War I.
- Review the material in order to guide your students through the speeches available.
- Download recordings before the class.
- Check if your computer has the software needed to play the speech recording.
How-To
- Ask students to listen and read the following speeches regarding World War I:World War, 1914-1918--Collaborationists--United States.
- World War, 1914-1918--Economic aspects--United States.
- World War, 1914-1918--Finance--United States.
- World War, 1914-1918--Naval operations, American.
- World War, 1914-1918--Propaganda--United States.
- World War, 1914-1918--Propaganda.--United States
- World War, 1914-1918--United States.
- Ask students to take notes as they listen to each speech.
- At the end of each speech, compile the students ideas on the whiteboard.
- Compare and contrast the ideas and opinions making two lists, one of similar and one of contrasting ideas.
- Ask students to write an essay about what they learned from the speeches.
More Ways
You can use the same steps to teach the 1920 election or other items in the speech list.
Program Areas
- ASE: High School Diploma