Program Objectives

    The program objective is to educate students on the basic reasons why America entered into World War I, explain the relationship between technological developments in warfare and battlefield tactics, a soldier’s "life in the trenches," and the opportunity for students to interact with original and reproduced items of the "Great War."

Program Materials

• American Expeditionary Force historical interpreter
• Model 1903 Springfield Rifle, Model 1898 Mauser Rifle, and other weapons
• equipment such as gas masks, grenades, and an A.E.F. soldier’s trunk
• helmets and uniforms from other countries that fought in the War
• U.S. Six-Ton Special Tractor (tank)
• Gallery Exhibits

Outline

    The program consists of a brief history why America joined the Allies in World War I (Archduke Francis Ferdinand’s Assassination, sinking of the Lusitania and other German U-Boat activity, and the Zimmerman Letter), the evolution of technology and its effect on battlefield tactics (tanks, gas, trenches, machine guns, bolt-action rifles, aircraft, etc.), and a description of the "life in the trenches." During the program, students will have opportunities to model a uniform and equipment and provide assistance with the program.

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