Causes of WWI
Instructor: Ms. Lee
Date: 11/01/10
Length: 90
minutes
Grade Level: 10th
Type: Introductory
Course: CP: Global
Unit: WWI: A Total
Studies II
War
State Standards: G.S. 5.1 - Summarize the causes of World War I, including political and
economic rivalries, ethnic and ideological conflicts, and nationalism and propaganda.
Goal: To introduce students to the long-term and short-term causes of WWI
Objectives: 1. Students will be able to list the main causes of WWI 2. Students will be able to
explain the concepts of entangling alliances, imperialism, nationalism and militarism. 3. Students
will be able to give an overview of the timeline of the first few days of WWI.
Concepts: Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism, Arms Race, Trench Warfare
Rationale: This lesson connects to the large unit goal of acquainting students to the main causes
and outcomes of the First World War. Many of the important concepts and generalizations are
also covered through this lesson. The Lesson provides several introductory activities to the
World War One unit in the hopes of instilling enthusiasm in students for the unit while at the
same time providing an understanding of the main causes of the war. The Lesson provides
instruction that will engage the students visually, audibly, and kinesthetically. By engaging these
various learning styles, the instructor hopes to make connections to the material.
Assessments: reading quiz, alliance game, informal questioning
Procedures
1. Bell Work
2. House
Keeping
Lesson:
1) Alliance
Game
2) MAIN causes
of WWI
3) Notes: Europe
before WWI
1. Bell Work: Reading Quiz
2. House Keeping: Pass back notebook checks – will do on Monday while
they are at the Library.
1. Alliance Game Procedure:
1) Ms. Lee – Today you have an very important task ahead of you. The
situation in Europe is dangerous. There is a feeling that something big
might be about to happen. All the countries in Europe are in great
competition over colonial holdings, and military strength. You are filled
with pride for your nation, but similar feelings are spinning around.
Meanwhile, the fall of the Ottoman Empire has created instability in the
Balkans. Russia and Austria-Hungary are competing for power in the
region and the various ethnic groups are calling for their own nationstate. As the leaders of Europe, it is your job to try and maintain peace.
2) Groups: Here are your assignments / please move to sit near your
fellow committee members.
a. United Kingdom
b. France
c. Germany
d. Russia
e. Austria-Hungary
f. Serbia
g. Belgium – MS. LEE – neutrality act signed with each nation
3) Folders: Each country is getting a folder. Inside this folder is the
information you need to attempt to establish peace in Europe. Let me
explain the contents of your folders.
a. The Players : specific information about the players in our
game (back has info on types of alliances)
b. Entangling Alliances Game Sheet – this is where you will make
your final decisions
c. Balkans and Europe in 1914 Situation Report
d. Map of Europe in 1914
4) Task: Here is what you are going to do:
a. Read about each country on the Players Sheet
b. Fill out your Balkans and Europe in 1914 situation report.
c. Establish three goals for your country
d. Eventually you will form alliances/agreements with the other
nations in the rooms.
5) Next Steps: *I will transition you into the your alliance time.
a. Elect ambassadors (in charge of talking with the other nations
to form the agreements)
b. Complete your situation reports/goals sheets (15minutes)
6) Nation Meetings: I will now give you time to meet with ambassador’s
form the other nations to try and form some agreements or alliances
that you think will meet the goals of your country AND ensure PEACE.
a. Only the Ambassadors may speak with each other.
b. You may meet in groups of up to three.
c. Keep the volume down not just for my sanity, but because you
might not want everyone to know what agreements you are
making.
d. For each agreement you make, you need to write the type of
agreement, any special rules ex) If you are attacked by
_________ we promise to send money but not troops. OR We
promise never to attack you UNLESS you take this specific
land.
e. Practice: everyone will practice by signing a neutrality
agreement with Ms. Lee
7) Breaking News : After 15-20 minutes, the instructor will cease all talks
and have the students return back to their countries because there is
an important News Bulletin and your presence is required.
a. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand at Sarajevo: read
the report to the students: The instructor will read the news
bulletin announcing the assassination.
b. Report Alliances – the instructor will ask each country to
disclose all their alliances
c. Questions: 1) do you think any of these countries might declare
war in response to this event? 2) If that country declares war,
will their allies have any responsibilities?
2. MAIN cause of WWI
1. The instructor will write the letters MAIN vertically on the
SmartBoard.
2. The teacher will tell the students that the M stands for militarism
and when the instructor says the word militarism she will flex her
muscles and explain that as new technology came in the scientific
and industrial revolution countries raced to build the most
powerful and modern military, also known as the “arms race”.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
The teacher will ask the students to repeat after her and do the
same muscle flex as they say Militarism.
The instructor will next write the word alliances and link two of
her fingers together. The teacher will then explain that European
countries created entangling alliances that promised military
support if the other came under attack. The Instructor would then
ask the students to repeat the term alliances and lock their fingers
together.
The instructor would then follow the same pattern with the term
Imperialism with the action of grabbing to symbolize how the
European nations were in a competition to grab up the most
colonies for raw materials and influence.
The instructor would then follow the same pattern with the term
Nationalism with the action of placing a hand over the heart of a
puffed chest to represent a growing love for ones country.
The instructor will ask the students to stand up and stretch. It is
important for the teacher to show enthusiasm and energy to get
the students participating in this part of the activity.
The instructor would then repeat all four terms and have the
students follow along. Next the instructor would erase the board
and lead the students through the repetition by first doing the
action and asking for the term or giving the term and asking for
the action etc…
The instructor would asses the students by checking for
understanding in particular students. Perhaps calling on students
to name one or all four of the main causes. Perhaps asking them
to explain the cause more in-depth.
3. Lecture: Europe before WWI

Slide 5: WWI a Family Affair

Slide 6: Militarism and the Schlieffen Plan

Slide 7: Map of Balkans

Slide 8: Balkans Powder Keg

Slide 9: Slavic Groups Map *recall assassination

Slide 10: Tsar Russia to Kaiser Germany

Slide 11: Kaiser to Tsar

Slide 12: Timeline
Group Member Names: ________________ Country Assigned ______________________
Entangling Alliances Game
List below the goals that you wish to achieve for your country, cover items like security,
political goals, land to gain or preserve and why you feel this way. Include potential allies
you would like to have.
1. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
You recognize that you cannot survive alone in this tense climate, find other nations to
form alliances with. Use the chart below to keep track of your alliances.
Nation
Alliance / Agreement
Who do you think your enemies might be?
1. _
2. _
3. _
Signatures
TYPES OF ALLIANCES/AGREEMENTS
Mutual Support: Both parties agree to support each other no matter what.
Mutual Defense: Both parties agree to defend each other in case of attack.
Non Aggression: Both parties agree not to attack each other.
Balkans Situation Report
Review “Crisis in the Balkans” pg 843.
1. What was Austria-Hungary’s role in the Balkans?
2. What did the various ethnic-groups in the Balkan want?? (think nationalism)
Write Answers Here
1. _
2. _
Europe in 1914: Situation Report
Review the following topics in your textbook to better understand the situation in Europe in
1914. Each group should answer ALL of these questions.
1. Bismarck Unites Germany (pg 695-696). What kind of a leader was Otto Von
Bismarck? How did he strengthen Germany?
2. Franco- Prussian War (pg 696-697). What were the results of the Franco-Prussian
War.
3. “A Shift in Power” (pg697). What two nations were the most powerful? Where did
everyone else fall?
4. Berlin Conference/ Africa Map (pgs 776-777) Why did the European nations meet for
the Berlin Conference? Looking at the map, does your country have any colonies in
Africa? Does another country have a colony near yours? Do you think this might cause
any issues?
Write Your Answers Here
1.
2.
3.
4.
Entangling Alliances Game
Procedure:
1. Ms. Lee – Today you have an very important task ahead of you. The situation in Europe is
dangerous. There is a feeling that something big might be about to happen. All the countries in
Europe are in great competition over colonial holdings, and military strength. You are filled with
pride for your nation, but similar feelings are spinning around. Meanwhile, the fall of the Ottoman
Empire has created instability in the Balkans. Russia and Austria-Hungary are competing for
power in the region and the various ethnic groups are calling for their own nation-state. As the
leaders of Europe, it is your job to try and maintain peace.
2. Groups: Here are your assignments / please move to sit near your fellow committee members.
a. United Kingdom
b. France
c. Germany
d. Russia
e. Austria-Hungary
f. Serbia
g. Belgium – MS. LEE – neutrality act signed with each nation
3. Folders: Each country is getting a folder. Inside this folder is the information you need to attempt
to establish peace in Europe. Let me explain the contents of your folders.
a. The Players : specific information about the players in our game (back has info on types
of alliances)
b. Entangling Alliances Game Sheet – this is where you will make your final decisions
c. Balkans and Europe in 1914 Situation Report
d. Map of Europe in 1914
4. Task: Here is what you are going to do:
a. Read about each country on the Players Sheet
b. Fill out your Balkans and Europe in 1914 situation report.
c. Establish three goals for your country
d. Eventually you will form alliances/agreements with the other nations in the rooms.
5. Next Steps: *I will transition you into the your alliance time.
a. Elect ambassadors (in charge of talking with the other nations to form the agreements)
b. Complete your situation reports/goals sheets (15minutes)
6. Nation Meetings: I will now give you time to meet with ambassador’s form the other nations to
try and form some agreements or alliances that you think will meet the goals of your country AND
ensure PEACE.
a. Only the Ambassadors may speak with each other.
b. You may meet in groups of up to three.
c. Keep the volume down not just for my sanity, but because you might not want everyone
to know what agreements you are making.
d. For each agreement you make, you need to write the type of agreement, any special
rules ex) If you are attacked by _________ we promise to send money but not troops.
OR We promise never to attack you UNLESS you take this specific land.
e. Practice: everyone will practice by signing a neutrality agreement with Ms. Lee
7. Breaking News : After 15-20 minutes, the instructor will cease all talks and have the students
return back to their countries because there is an important News Bulletin and your presence is
required.
a. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand at Sarajevo: read the report to the students:
The instructor will read the news bulletin announcing the assassination.
b. Report Alliances – the instructor will ask each country to disclose all their alliances
c. Questions: 1) do you think any of these countries might declare war in response to this
event? 2) If that country declares war, will their allies have any responsibilities?
Notes on WWI:
I. European Attitudes Leading up to War:
1. War – war is seen as a acceptable tool for gaining power, and settling arguments over
land. Most believed that in order for their country to remain safe and powerful they
needed to have a strong army with the most advanced technology. Most countries in
Europe required male citizens to serve in the army. Military leaders designed very
detailed plans to mobilize (move) the troops and supplies in case of a war. The leaders all
believed that any war would be short because the “most fit” country would quickly win.
2. Alliances – What is an alliance? Who do you form alliances with? (example: in a reality
tv show where there is voting off each week ppl will often form alliances to promise they
will vote the same. That way they get rid of common enemies and stay in the game
longer.) Countries joined alliances with each other for similar reasons. They thought their
enemies would be less likely to attack if they knew that they would have to face both
allies.
a. Example: After unifying his country, Otto Von Bismark created allies with
Austria-hungary, and Italy. His goal was to keep France from becoming to
powerful. early in the 1900s Germany’s leader Kaiser Wilhelm began to build up
his navy. Britain was nervous that Germany may threaten it’s strong navy so the
British created an alliance with France and Russia. The alliances were meant to
keep peace and balance; however, it created a situation where if one country in an
alliance got into a battle, their allies would have to help them (domino effect).
II. Monarchy in Europe a Family affair:
1. Rendering them unassailable (or so they fondly imagined) was the fact that the monarchs of
Europe were all closely related. Queen Victoria was sometimes called the Grandmamma of
Europe, and there was hardly a Continental court that did not boast at least one of her relations.
During World War One there were no less than seven of the old Queen's direct descendants, and
two more of her Coburg relations, on European thrones. Before it happened, can anyone blame
this family of kings, or their subjects, for assuming that a war between these crowned cousins
was all but impossible?
One can appreciate why Kaiser Wilhelm II, at the outbreak of war in 1914, exclaimed that
'Nicky' had 'played him false'. For the rulers of the world's three greatest nations - King George
V of Great Britain and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia on the one hand, and the German Kaiser on the
other - were not simply cousins, they were first cousins. If their grandmother Queen Victoria had
still been alive, said the Kaiser, she would never have allowed them to go to war with each other.
III. TimeLine of the War: Domino Effect:

On June 28, 1914, Serbian fanatic, Gavrilo Princip, assassinated Archduke FranzFerdinand of Austria, causing Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany to support Austria in
punishing the Serbs, setting the stage for Russia - backing Serbia - and her allies
France and Britain to go to war.






(background story): As Inspector General of the army Franz Ferdinand accepted an
invitation from General Oskar Potiorek to visit the capital of Bosnia, Sarajevo, to
inspect army manoeuvres. Bosnia - and Herzegovina - were provinces that had been
under Austro-Hungarian administration since 1878, by international agreement.
Austria annexed the provinces outright in 1908, a controversial move which upset
governments in the west; however, Greater-Serbia proponents were outraged. They
wanted the provinces to be part of a Serbian led pan-Slav state, rather than part of the
Austro-Hungarian empire. Serbian terrorist group, the Black Hand, resolved to
assassinate Franz Ferdinand during his visit to Sarajevo on 28 June 1914, thereby
stalling his proposed reforms. While riding in the motorcade through the streets of
Sarajevo on 28 June, Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were shot and killed by
Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian member of the Black Hand; earlier in the day Ferdinand's
car had also been fired at by a hand grenade, causing him to complain angrily upon
his arrival at the city hall. What is the good of your speeches? I come to Sarajevo on
a visit, and I get bombs thrown at me. It is outrageous!"
Archduke Franz Ferdinand interrupting the Mayor's welcome speech at Sarajevo's
city hall, 28 June 1914.The assassination provided Austria-Hungary with an excuse to
take action against Serbia. During July 1914 the situation escalated, pulling in the
major European powers via the complex alliance relationships each had struck up
with one another. The result was world war.
July 6 – Germany sends “Blank Check” to Austria-Hungary
July 28 Austira Hungary takes this opportunity to declare war on Serbia
July 31 – Russia mobilizes army in support of Serbia
August 1- in response to Russian mobilization Germany declares war on Russia
(shliefen plan)
August 3/4 – in order for the shliefen plan to work they declare war on France and
Belgium. In response British declare war on Germany.
TimeLine http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/worldwarone/hq/timeline.shtml