1. My topic is isolated countries during and after World War I.
2. What I already know:
Who?
I do not actually know, but I think some countries that might have been isolated were small.
What? Countries wanted to remain isolated or neutral during the war.
Where? Isolated countries and countries in war.
When? It took place during the early 1900s.
Why? Isolated countries did not want to get involved in the war.
How? The leaders of the countries decided they would remain isolated and not get involved.
3. What I want to know (research questions):
Who?
What countries isolated themselves during and after the war? Who lived in these countries?
What? What caused the countries to remain isolated during the war even though almost the whole world was involved in it?
Where? Which continent had the most countries remaining isolated?
When? When did countries start being isolated? When did countries stop being isolated?
Why? Why did many countries try to be isolated during and after World War I? Why would they want to cut themselves off from the rest of the world?
How? How did they remain isolated even after the war ended?
4.My research strategy:
Who? I will ask Ms. Horn and Ms. Brem for help in locating information. I can also ask Ms. Brolan or Mr. D. I could also ask the public librarian.
What? Expert websites, databases, encyclopedias, books, textbook.
When? During class or outside of class if needed.
Where? The CTMS and public library, on any other computer for online resources.
How? I will use my thesis statement and research questions to figure out what to look for and what to take notes on.
Key words for searching: isolationism, isolated countries, World War I and isolated countries, isolated countries during World War I, and other variations of this.

Draft

During World War I isolationism was the policy of the United States, and it affected its economic, immigrant, and political growth. Remaining isolated from the war for each of these reasons helped the United States become a more powerful nation.
One of the main reasons the United States wanted to remain isolated during World War I was because of the possibility for economic growth. By isolating itself from the war, this country was able to focus more on its own financial welfare. Since the United States was already such a strong nation, its influence made other countries also want to grow and expand. These other countries were easily convinced to remain neutral and isolated from the war, because they cared more about their nations' wealth and economy. ("Before the War") Not wanting to take sides, the United States traded with both Britain and Germany, which allowed the United States' economy to expand at a fast pace. Many goods were exported to both Germany and Britain. ("Before the War") By staying neutral, the United States was able to profit from the war. The United States and other neutral or isolated countries had an advantage, because they could trade with both sides and make a profit. ("World War I") The United States and other isolated countries were smart to trade with both sides because it helped their economies. Supplying all the countries involved in the war with weapons, industry in the United States grew. Any pleas for assistance in the war by involved countries were ignored by the United States, because it wanted to remain isolated. ("The United States and World War I") Many of the United States' citizens might not have agreed with these isolationist policies, because the majority came from various countries in Europe.
These immigrants formed yet another reason for the United States to remain isolated. Many people living in the United States were immigrants from other countries, so some of them felt obligated to help the country that they came from in the war. However, others left their country because they did not like it their and thought it was not their problem, so they should not get involved in the war. Most people wanted to stay isolated and neutral. ("Before the War") Immigrants naturally would have feelings for or against their own native countries based on their own personal experiences with that country. Overall, most wanted to be neutral, many citizens of the United States wanting the nation to stay out of conflicts in Europe and other countries. The United States wanted to focus on its own problems and events in order to remain a powerful and influencing country. ("Before the War") It was smart for the United States to try and stay out of the war and remain isolated.
This immigrant influence coincided with political reasons for the United States to remain isolated. The United States did not want to become involved in any problems that other countries faced, and it did not want to take sides. However, the United States did not want to be cut off from the rest of the world, wanting to be an influence and an important part of the world. ("Isolationism") Being one of the most powerful countries in the world, the leaders of the United States were smart to keep their distance in the world, yet remain knowledgeable and concerned about world affairs. The United States was determined to remain isolated and neutral, despite any threats from foreign nations. The President believed the United States had the right to trade with whatever countries it wanted to. ("The United States and World War I") Although the United States wanted to remain neutral, the nation's involvement in the war seemed unavoidable. Germany attacked the ships of neutral countries, because they did not want them supplying the other side with weapons or goods. ("Before the War") It was unkind for Germany to annoy countries that were isolated and did not want to join the war. The United States did not like being bullied.
Political, immigrant, and economic growth were all important factors in the isolationist policies of the United States during World War I. Since the United States chose to follow isolationist views, the nation experienced tremendous growth and prosperity during this time in history. Without this policy this country would not be the powerful nation that it is today.
[[code]]
Works Cited
"Before the War ." http://www.sos.state.or.us/archives/exhibits/war/intro/neutral.html. N.p., n.d.
[[code]]
     Web. 29 Mar. 2010.
English, June A., and Thomas D. Jones. "World War One." //Encyclopedia of The United States at War//.
     1998. Print.
"Isolationism." //http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1601.html//. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Apr. 2010.
"Italy Enters World War I, May, 1915." //Gale Virtual Reference Library//. Gale Virtual Reference
     Library, 2010. Web. 26 Mar. 2010.
"The United States and World War I." //http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/nchist-newcentury/5112//. U.S.
     Department of State, n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2010.
"World War I." //Encyclopedia Britannica Online//. Encyclopedia Britannica Online, 2010. Web. 26 Mar.
     2010.

1
2
3
4
Score
Thesis
No thesis.
Thesis is present in introductory paragraph but is not well-written.
Thesis included in introductory paragraph is satisfactory if a bit obvious.
Thesis included in introductory paragraph is well-written and interesting.
4
Flow
Paper is difficult to read and understand.
Paper is full of short, choppy sentences and topic shifts with no transitions.
Some use of transitional words and phrases but the paper is a bit choppy at times.
Use of transitional words and phrases as well as topic sentences makes the paper easy to read from start to finish.
4
Quotes/
Paraphrase

No quotes or paraphrasing used.
Very few quotes or paraphrases included, no parenthetical references.
Some errors in quoting or paraphrasing and/or a few missing parenthetical references.
Several quotes and paraphrased pieces of information in each body paragraph, all with parenthetical references.
4
Commentary / “My Ideas”
No commentary.
Commentary lacking in a few places.
Commentary included with each quote or paraphrase, but it is a bit obvious or repetitive.
Thoughtful commentary included with each quote or paraphrase.
4
Works Cited
No works cited page included.
Works cited page is included but there are several errors.
Works cited page is included but there are a few formatting errors.
Works cited page is included and is correctly formatted.
4
Conventions
Difficult to understand.
Several errors.
A few errors.
Little to no errors in grammar, spelling or punctuation.
4



1
2
3
4
Score
Thesis
No thesis.
Thesis is present in introductory paragraph but is not well-written.
Thesis included in introductory paragraph is satisfactory if a bit obvious.
Thesis included in introductory paragraph is well-written and interesting.
4
Flow
Paper is difficult to read and understand.
Paper is full of short, choppy sentences and topic shifts with no transitions.
Some use of transitional words and phrases but the paper is a bit choppy at times.
Use of transitional words and phrases as well as topic sentences makes the paper easy to read from start to finish.
4
Quotes/
Paraphrase

No quotes or paraphrasing used.
Very few quotes or paraphrases included, no parenthetical references.
Some errors in quoting or paraphrasing and/or a few missing parenthetical references.
Several quotes and paraphrased pieces of information in each body paragraph, all with parenthetical references.
4
Commentary / “My Ideas”
No commentary.
Commentary lacking in a few places.
Commentary included with each quote or paraphrase, but it is a bit obvious or repetitive.
Thoughtful commentary included with each quote or paraphrase.
4
Works Cited
No works cited page included.
Works cited page is included but there are several errors.
Works cited page is included but there are a few formatting errors.
Works cited page is included and is correctly formatted.
4
Conventions
Difficult to understand.
Several errors.
A few errors.
Little to no errors in grammar, spelling or punctuation.
4

.