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Veterans Day Celebration
Veterans Day is an annual American holiday venerating military veterans. It is both a state holiday and a federal holiday in all states. It is commemorated as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day in other part of the world. Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of Armistice that ended World War I. The armistice was initially effective for 36 days, but was continually renewed until the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.
Prior to the armistice, the Germans had signaled that they were eager to use President Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points as a foundation for peace. Although there were objections made to Wilson's Fourteen Points by the Allies, Wilson was willing to compromise, and on November 10, 1918, the Allied Supreme Commander Ferdinand Foch led the military negotiations between the Germans and the Allies. The formal signing of the armistice took place in Foch's carriage on the morning of November 11th.
Although World War I ended with the Armistice of 1918, the terms of the European peace were not finalized until the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. The writing of the treaty created conflicts between the Allies. Some preferred a more lenient peace--in the words of President Woodrow Wilson, a "peace without victory."
Others demanded reparations. Near the end of the war, Wilson had developed a settlement called the "Fourteen Points," which guaranteed open diplomacy, free seas, free trade, disarmament, and included a proposal for the creation of a League of Nations. While Wilson found popular support, European leaders were less enthused.
In difficult negotiations, Wilson retreated from many of his original reforms, conceding both German reparations and a "guilt clause," blaming Germany for the war. Many historians consider the harsh treatment imposed on Germany as a catalyst that led to the emergence of Adolph Hitler and World War II.
Learning Activity
Assign students to write a report of at least 150 words or a presentation of at least seven slides (see links to ProQuest models below) that cites at least three resources. Students should use the pathfinder listed below to save time and ensure relevance of results.
They should also address the following essential questions for critical thinking (you can create or substitute others):
- What factors accounted for Germany's willingness to agree to an Armistice?
- What were the goals of the "Fourteen Points" proposed by President Wilson?
- Why was there so little support for the "Fourteen Points" by the Allies and also the U.S. Congress?
- What were the final terms of the "Treaty of Versailles" and what impact did they have on Germany?
Pathfinders
1: Click Topics tab > World War I (c. 1914 - 1918) > Armistice
2: Click Topics tab > World War I (c. 1914 - 1918) > Treaty of Versailles
Your students can use our custom ProQuest models for written and PowerPoint-style reports.
Teachers may be interested in a ProQuest flexible rubrics model for evaluating inquiry-based learning activities.
Educators may also wish to employ the Quizinator Web tool (free, but registration required) for creating a variety of printed resources, including short assessments.
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