World War I

In this course, you will develop two 2–3-page analysis papers that focus on primary sources. You can start planning for your analysis papers now by engaging in your course readings, which are listed in the Course Reading assignment list, (The First World War- A Very Short introduction) exploring the time periods and events, and using the course resources to engage in independent research. Post any questions you have on the analysis papers to the General Questions discussion.

Your first analysis paper will address the conditions of World War I. The conditions of World War I are often described as “inhumane.” How did national/ethnic identities and animosities (as evidenced in propaganda campaigns) combine with technological development in the early stages of the war to create such a bitter, inhumane experience? Conduct research and select at least one primary source that either supports or refutes the topic. Remember, you should be using at least two other resources (primary or secondary) to support your analysis. This means your completed paper will have a total of three resources, at least one of them a primary resource.