Primary Source Sets
World War I (1914 -1918)
The resources in this primary source set are intended for classroom use. Click on a thumbnail image to view the original resource and download link for viewing and saving. Click on the caption next to the image to view the bibliographic record, share on a network, or print. PDF documents are available for download and use in your classroom discussions.
The Zimmerman Telegram
British cryptographers decipher a telegram from the German foreign minister, Arthur Zimmerman, to the German minister in Mexico offering United States territory to Mexico in return for joining the German cause. The message helped draw the United States into the war and thus changed history.
War Breaks Out!
British sink two German cruisers off Italy. Men leave wills behind; sing as they go to death. French invade Germany; take three small towns. King's call brings out thousands.
Battleships
The Iowa, greatest of America's battleships, successfully launched at the Cramp's shipyard in Philadelphia.
War Savings
Every Patriotic Man, Woman, and Child can now invest in the United States Government as small a sum as 25 cents. Save the Nickels---Save the Dimes---Save the Quarters. Buy U.S. Thrift Stamps. Exchange them for War Savings Stamps.
Cartoons
Spirit of the war (to the rival peoples of tweedledum and tweedledee): "What! I swallow up too much of your food! Ungrateful wretches! Know you not that you would each, like wolves, be tearing the food from the other's mouth were I not here to prevent it---by pulling it into my own!"
War is Over
War is over. Enemy stripped of power by terms of agreement. Fighting stopped at 2pm Paris time and 9am our time.
