This self-paced course is provided at no cost, and was developed in partnership with the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Land at Indiana University. An IU guest account registration is required.

This course is designed to assist interpretation staff at the American Battle Monuments Commission’s WWI sites in understanding the American perspective on the Great War. However, the content is appropriate for anyone wanting to better understand the unique perspective of the United States in World War One.

Access the course here: https://expand.iu.edu/browse/iidc/eppley/abmc/courses/the-first-world-war-and-the-united-states

Course Summary:

The causes of World War One are complex. This course explores the social and political factors that contributed to and shaped the conflict in Europe. The initial reluctance and ultimate participation of the United States is described and placed in a cultural and political context as well. “World War One and the United States” provides insight into the pre-war sentiments in America and Europe, the social and political factors at play, and describes the journey from Armistice to U.S. commemoration with the establishment of the American Battle Monuments Commission.

Course Objectives:

After completing this course, learners should be able to:

• Explain the causes of WWI.
• Describe reasons for the U.S.’s initial reluctance and eventual decision to participate in WWI.
• Compare and contrast relevant WWI milestones and issues from multiple perspectives, including U.S. vs. European positions, both modern and of the period.
• Explain the effect of WWI on the United States with respect to nationalism, popular culture, and follow-on political trajectories.
• Relate how WWI directly contributed to the creation of the ABMC and American cemeteries outside the United States.

Recommended Background:

This course is designed to assist interpretation staff at the American Battle Monuments Commission’s WWI sites in understanding the American perspective on the Great War. However, the content is appropriate for anyone wanting to better understand the unique perspective of the United States in World War One.

Course Topics:

• The events of the early twentieth century beginning with pre-war posturing in Europe and nationalist sentiment in the United States.
• The start of the Great War in Europe and the events that finally drew American participation.
• The American Expeditionary Force’s activities in the European theatre, the uneasy armistice, and the attempts by the U.S. to assist in post-war diplomacy follow.
• The social and political climate in the United States that shaped the years following the War.
• The commemorative efforts of the United States government and the role of the American Battle Monuments Commission in telling the story of the First World War.