The first supporting question, “What were the contrasting views surrounding America’s foreign policy regarding neutrality as war in Europe was heating up?” helps students use sources to unwrap the context of the time and topic being examined. Complete the following task using the sources provided to build a context of the time period and topic being examined.
Formative Performance Task 1
Organize a debate among students over the issues surrounding neutrality and isolationism.
Featured Sources 1
The source featured in this section is a secondary source. Secondary sources are accounts or interpretations of historical events, people, places, and ideas by someone who does not necessarily have firsthand experience of the subject. This is the material that historians and other researchers have written about primary sources and the events, ideas, and people of history. These are the products of historical work including exhibits, websites, documentaries, performances, books, and other publications. When students read or view secondary sources, they should pay careful attention to the bibliography. What sources did the author use? Are they reliable evidence to support their claims? When students read or view secondary sources, they should also explore additional sources, including primary sources, to get an accurate understanding of the context and if the author wrote a valid, accurate, and thoughtful interpretation. What is the author’s historical argument, or thesis statement? Are their claims logical and supported by evidence? Further research of materials and sources can either prove or disprove the students’ argument.
| Source A |
Learn more about the history of North Dakota during WWII by visiting the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum.