The Poppy Lady
Read Aloud Book: The Poppy Lady
Story: Barbara Elizabeth Walsh
Illustration: Layne Johnson
ISBN-13: 978-1590787540
C3 Framework Key term: Personal values: Ethical and moral commitments that guide individuals’ actions and interpersonal relationships.
Synopsis
At an early age, Moina Belle Michael started a school and became an educator. Years later, during World War I, she continued to look for ways to improve the well-being of others. She volunteered at the YMCA and created ways to cheer up soldiers before they left for war.
Discussion
Expand: World War I, also called The Great War, broke out in Europe in 1914. Germany and Austria-Hungary led their allies against Britain, France, and Russia. In 1917, Germany attacked American ships attempted to form an alliance with Mexico against the United States. Consequently, the US declared war on Germany in 1917. In total, more than one millions American troops were sent to Europe. It was the first time that war included airplanes, tanks, and poison gas. US citizens took action to support American troops. Women joined the labor force. Children helped sell war bonds. The work of every citizen counted. Note: Additional resources are located on DOCSTeach, a website of the National Archives. Ask: Why volunteer work of citizens is important during wartime? How can it support war veterans?
Ethics Connection
Use the Library of Congress Primary Source Set to introduce students to available resources. Say: The work of Moina Belle was significant some ways, including promoting a proper public tribute to soldiers and supporting the well-being of all those who served after the war. In groups, discuss the ethical responsibility of the government to support returning soldiers. If you have internet access, research the history of assistance for veterans using the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Challenge Activity
Say: One of the main advantages of German forces in World War I was the use of poison gas. When the US joined the war, it attempted to match the military advantages of German forces. The US government contracted with privately held chemical companies to manufacture point gas. Poison gas is considered non-conventional weapon and morally worse than other weapons because of the suffering it causes. After the war, the 1925 Geneva Protocol prohibited the use of chemical weapons in war. Years later, the Chemical Weapons Convention, which took effect in 1997, provided more comprehensive guidelines by prohibiting the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, transfer or use of chemical weapons. This agreement was signed by the Member States of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, who comprise 98% of the world population. In between these years, the American government upheld the moral standard of avoiding the use of chemical weapons and avoided the use of poison gas in World War II. Say: In groups, debate whether or not the US made the right decision to avoid using this weapon in World War II. You may use an article from American Heritage as part of your work.
Fun Activity
Say: Imagine you have been contracted by the Department of Veterans Affairs to design a new Veterans Day poster. Review posters from previous years on the Veterans Days Poster Gallery. Use your knowledge about World War I to inspire your design.