Woodrow Wilson U.S. President | Historical Figure Readers Theater Script

This Woodrow Wilson Historical Figure Readers Theater Script engages students in an interactive narrative instead of reading a dry history textbook. Abigail and Benjamin journey through the life and presidency of Woodrow Wilson. They see him grow up in post–Civil War Virginia, become a scholar and reform-minded governor, and eventually lead the nation as President.

Script Summary:

Abigail and Benjamin see that he was initially focused on progressive domestic reforms—such as the Federal Reserve Act and antitrust legislation—and then becomes a global figure as World War I engulfs Europe. Despite efforts to maintain neutrality, Germany’s actions push the U.S. into the war. Wilson’s 1917 reply to Pope Benedict XV shows his insistence on a lasting, just peace instead of a simple return to old conditions. He later presents the Fourteen Points and advocates for the League of Nations, envisioning a world guided by diplomacy and self-determination. Domestically, he addresses the American Federation of Labor, championing cooperation between labor and government. However, his record is mixed on racial issues, and after the war, the Senate rejects the League, leaving Wilson disappointed. Despite health struggles and political setbacks, his idealistic vision profoundly influences future global cooperation and the modern presidency’s active role in shaping domestic and international affairs.

This product includes a zip file consisting of:

1) Readers Theater Script

• ~12 Characters, 1350 words, PDF & Editable DOCX Formats (8 pages)
• Includes factual historical information, primary source quotes, and narrative storytelling
• Themes & Discussion Question Prompts

2) Comprehensive Script Worksheet

• Includes Answer Key, Google Slides & PDF Formats (4 Pages | 17 Slides)
• 10 Vocabulary Words: Definitions based on the context of the script to build historical literacy
• 10 Short-Answer Questions: Comprehension and recall questions based solely on the script, ensuring students can analyze the content without requiring additional research.
• Long-Format Writing Questions: Encourage deeper reflection and analysis, including one primary source exploration question.

3) Two Primary Source Letters

• Woodrow Wilson Letter of Reply to the Pope August 27, 1917
• Woodrow Wilson Address to the American Federation of Labor Convention, Buffalo, New York: "Labor Must Be Free” November 12, 1917
• Full Primary Source Text, PDF & DOCX Formats (6 pages)

Teaching Tips for Using the Script:

• For digital classrooms, upload the DOCX Script and convert to Google docs
• For More Students: Main character can be read by multiple students.
• For Less Students: Minor characters can be read by just one student.
• This script should take about ~25 minutes and depending on your classroom's level it may be suitable for other grade levels.
• An extra ~25 minutes for prep, discussion, vocabulary or short answer comprehension questions should also be planned.

This resource is part of a bundle dedicated to the most notable 12 U.S. Presidents:

SAVE 50% and get the bundle here: U.S. Presidents Reader's Theater Scripts Bundle (12)