Why is World War I Considered the First “Modern” War?

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This inquiry explores some of the changes occurring in technology and society during World War I through the investigation of the compelling question “why is World War I considered the first ‘modern’ war?” The importance of understanding societal and technological changes in this inquiry is twofold: (1) students should be able to understand some of the wide-ranging impacts the war effort had on technology and the modernization of countries around the world and (2) students will benefit from understanding the impact of the war on societal norms. While progressing through the inquiry, students will analyze the changes that occurred during this time that continue to be reflected in American culture today.

This inquiry is expected to take four class periods; however, teachers are encouraged to adapt the inquiry to meet the needs and interests of their students and the amount of time they have available.

Inquiry Design Model (IDM) Blueprint™
Compelling Question
Why is World War I considered the first “modern” war?
Standards and Practices
ND.6_12.4.5 Evaluate the growth and struggles of the modernization of North Dakota and the role the state has played in modern America.
Staging the Question
What do trench coats, daylight saving time, and blood banks have in common?
Supporting Question 1
Supporting Question 2
Supporting Question 3
What was the “all big gun,” (ABG) debate?
How did the war impact Americans abroad?
How did the war impact Americans at home?
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Organize a debate among students over the construction of the USS North Dakota.
Write a summary of what life was like for soldiers and other American citizens living abroad.
Write a summary describing what the home front experience was like.
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
  • USS North Dakota Document Set
  • News Reports of the Great War Document Set
  • The Great War, a Photo Essay Document Set
  • Leila Halvorson Goes to War Document Set
Summative Performance Task
Argument
Why is World War I considered the first “modern” war? How are changes in technology related to warfare? Construct an argument that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views. Create a poster and present your argument to your class with evidence to support your claims.
Extension
Select a soldier from your community or the state that died in Europe during the Great War, either during a major battle or due to other dangers of trench warfare. Locate primary sources such as war records, draft cards, or interviews with descendants and conduct in-depth research on the soldier’s life.
Taking Informed Action

Understand: Research how World War I affected students’ communities.

Assess: Determine the most impactful ways in which students’ communities contributed to the war effort.

Act: Using the research done on a soldier from your community, develop a documentary or a script for a short performance that can be presented to your school or community during a history fair.