Veterans Day

Veterans Day is an annual American state and national holiday honoring the military veterans from all of the wars in which Americans participated. Veterans Day is celebrated on 11th November, 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.

The America to which World War I veterans returned was not the same as the one they left. Women had disproved age-old stereotypes about their ability to work as hard or as well as men. African Americans, subjected to discrimination and second-class citizenship in the South, had fought bravely in Europe or had migrated to northern cities pursuing war production work.

Immigrants, regarded by some as the strength of American society, became viewed with suspicion after the war. Returning veterans had to seek employment and reintegration into their communities, recover from war injuries, and navigate this new social landscape.

Unfortunately, most veterans in all our wars, not just in World War I, quickly discovered after the hoopla of "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," was over, Johnny would be faced with the enormous challenge of trying to assimilate into a very different America.

What were the challenges that the veterans of World War I faced after the Armistice? How had the America they left changed after they came back from Europe?

Students should write a report of at least 150 words that addresses the Document Based Question (DBQ) included with this topic (or they can choose a presentation of at least seven slides): "Describe the social and economic impact of veterans' demobilization in the United States following the end of World War I." Addressing the DBQ helps students to develop essential 21st Century critical thinking skills.

Students should cite at least three resources and use the pathfinder listed below to ensure the best and most relevant results.

Click the 1910s icon > World War I: When Johnny Comes Marching Home

SPREAD THE WORD | DATABASE TOOLKITS BOOST USAGE