3. The First World War

1. How did Europe come to the brink of war in 1914?

Lesson Objectives
To identify the long-term causes of the First World War

Lesson Tasks
1. Download and read the Lesson PowerPoint for instructions.
2. Play the WW1 game in groups, instructions on PowerPoint.
3. Download and read this PowerPoint on the international system in 1914.
4. Complete this table using the information from the PowerPoint. (Click here for a PDF version of the table)
5. Complete Questions 1-5 on slide 34 and Questions 1-4 on slide 35.

Challenge Yourself!
1. Explore this fantastic WW1 interactive website for more information.
2. Watch these great YouTube videos on the causes of WW1.
3. Watch the CrashCourse video on the causes of WW1 -->

2. How did a wrong turn help spark war?

Lesson Objectives
To examine how the assassination of Franz Ferdinand helped to trigger the First World War

Lesson Tasks
1. Using the internet and some of the links below, research the assassination of Franz Ferdinand and how it led to war.
2. Now create a newspaper front-page story, that explains the assassination. Imagine you are writing in 1914. Try to include lots of details about the assassination and how it led to war. You can design this on computer and email to me when done.

Challenge Yourself!
1. Read these eyewitness accounts of the assassination.
2. A simple overview of the assassination from the BBC.
3. Watch this docu-drama on the assassination (in 3 parts).
4. Detailed Telegraph article on the assassination.

3. What was the fighting like on the Western Front?

Lesson Objectives
To identify and describe how the trench system developed and to describe the features of the fighting in the trenches

Lesson Tasks
1. Download, read and make notes from this Lesson PowerPoint.
2. In no more than 100 words, explain why the Schlieffen Plan failed.
3. Now download and review this Lesson PowerPoint.
4. Download and complete this worksheet on changes in warfare during WW1. Answer all questions (Q1-4, 3-7, 1-4).
5. Homework - Download this instruction sheet and use this website video. Choose one of the six topics and produce an A4 poster on the subject it covers. Consider using online software like smore or tackk or simple Microsoft Word or Pages. Email Mr. Budd when done.

Challenge Yourself!
1. Explore this fantastic website from the BBC on WW1.
2. Play this awesome game based on the experiences of soldiers in WW1.
3. Watch this video of interviews with WW1 survivors.

4. What motivated men to sign up and fight?

Lesson Objectives
To describe what propaganda is and to explain the role it played in motivating men to join the war

Lesson Tasks

Download, read and make notes from the Lesson PowerPoint.
Download this worksheet grid (or PDF) and these propaganda poster sources.
Using the posters, answer the questions on the grid, analysing each poster.
Now read this interactive article about propaganda in the First World War.

Challenge Yourself!

Look at this large collection of WW1 propaganda posters, from each country.
Another large collection of posters that is easier to browse.
Read this interactive article about the experiences of one British volunteer.

5. What motivated British soldiers to continue fighting in the trenches?

Lesson Objectives
To use evidence to build substantiated explanations for why British soldiers continued to fight in the trenches

Lesson Tasks

Download, read and follow the instructions on the Lesson PowerPoint.
Researching the Explanations - Now read these sources of evidence, making notes of facts, figures, statistics, quotes and reasons for each explanation on this record sheet.
Now read through these quotes from the memoirs of soldiers (PDF version here), making notes of any quotes that may be relevant to any of your explanations which you could use to write the essay.
Finally, read through some of the research links below to find more information and evidence for your explanations.
When you have finished collecting your evidence for each explanation, you can begin to write your essay. Download and read the essay mark scheme to find out what you need to do to get a Level 7.

Research Links

BBC article on life in the trenches.
More detailed article of experiences in the trenches.
Newspaper article on why soldiers continued to fight.
Great article exploring life in the trenches.
Combat experiences of soldiers in WW1.
A detailed article on life in the trenches.

6. What made the Great War a 'World War'?

Lesson Objectives
To examine and analyse the nature of the fighting on different fronts in WW1

Lesson Tasks

Get into seven groups and download this worksheet for instructions. Each group will research a different 'front' of WW1 and present their findings to the class. This can be done as a PowerPoint presentation, Prezi, 'chalk and talk' or any other format.
Each group needs to research the following areas to include in their presentation:
1. Who fought on this front and why?
2. What methods of fighting were used?
3. Was there a key turning point event on this front?
4. What did the war look and feel like on this front?
5. Statistics?
6. Why was this front important to the overall war?