War at Home: Teaching WWI Through Espionage and Pandemic

This webinar will be hosted in partnership with the National Council for History Education (NCHE).

What does war actually look like beyond the battlefield? In this webinar, you will explore how World War I shaped everyday life in the United States using two powerful CFR Education simulations: the Zimmerman Telegram in 1917 and Influenza and War in 1918. Together, these examples show how a war fought overseas can still have real and immediate effects at home, from national security concerns to public health challenges. You will see practical ways to bring this content into both elementary and secondary classrooms. The session will walk through simple, engaging strategies like simulations, role play, and primary source analysis that help students make sense of big historical moments in a way that feels relevant to them. By the end, you will leave with ready-to-use ideas and adaptable resources that help students connect global events to their own lives and better understand how the past still shapes the world around them today.