World History -- Kelemen
World War I Mock Trial
In August 1914 the Great Powers in Europe went to war and changed the history of the world forever. Four years later
over 10 million had died as a result of the “Great War”. Understandably, people across the world were bewildered and many
wanted to assess blame for the unimaginable tragedy - Germany became the primary scapegoat. In 1919, representatives of the
victorious Allied powers met at the Palace of Versailles in France with the official goal of resolving unfinished conflicts and
preventing future wars. Sadly, instead of promoting peace, the outcome of the Treaty was mainly to assess blame and
unintentionally plant the seeds of World War II. One of the most infamous parts of the Treaty of Versailles was Article 231
(called the “war guilt clause”) which stated that “Germany and her allies [caused] all the loss and damage” from the war. As a
result, Germany was forced to make massive reparation payments to the Allies, lost territory and had its military restricted.
Was it fair and appropriate to place the blame for the Great War squarely with Germany? Or did
responsibility lay with others? Exploring these questions in order to better understand the complex causes, escalation
and consequences of World War I is the focus of this mock trial simulation you will prepare for and conduct.
Charges
1) Germany was ultimately responsible for the outbreak of the Great War
2) Germany was ultimately responsible for the escalation of the Great War
Witnesses
Step 1: Research the role your nation had in World War I. Consider narrowing research to some of the people,
events and ideas relating to your country in listed below. Take notes to turn in with your testimony. (5 points)
Step 2: Create 4-6 questions and responses from the point of view of someone from your country that address:
1) How did your country become involved in WWI?
2) What was your country’s experience in WWI?
3) Who do you blame for the war’s outbreak and escalation? Why? (15 points)
Step 3: Read your testimony during the mock trial with eye contact, confidence and enthusiasm. (5 points)
Witness Nations
Belgium
Russia
England
France
United States
Australia
Serbia
Austria Hungary
Ottoman Empire
Germany
Possible Key People, Events and Ideas to Search (not a complete list)
Invasion of Belgium, Schlieffen Plan, Committee on German Outrages, King Albert I
Czar Nicholas II, Use of Poison Gas on Eastern Front, Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
David Lloyd George, Battle of Marne, Battle of Verdun, Battle of Somme, U-Boats
Georges Clemenceau, War Guilt Clause, Battles of Marne, Verdun & Somme
Lusitania, Zimmerman Note, Woodrow Wilson, League of Nations
Battle of Gallipoli, ANZAC Forces
Gavrilo Princip, Black Hand, Crisis in Sarajevo, Balkans Campaigns
Emperor Franz Joseph, Franz Conrad von Hotzendorf, Balkans Campaigns
Enver Pasha, Battle of Gallipoli, Lawrence of Arabia
Kaiser Wilhelm II, Schlieffen Plan, Naval Blockade, Erich Ludendorff, War Guilt Clause
Lawyers
You and assigned partner(s) are to either defend or prosecute Germany in relation to the two charges. Your own personal
feelings are not relevant. Instead as a lawyer, your tasks are:
Step 1: Research (take research notes) arguments that could be used to either defend or prosecute Germany.
Step 2: Write speech (1 page) aimed to persuade a neutral judge & jury that your view on both charges is accurate.
Step 3: Read your speech either at the beginning or end of the trial and ask witnesses questions they provide.
Assessment
Witnesses & Lawyers will be assessed on use of preparation time as evidenced by notes (5 points), written work and
(testimony/speech) (15 points) and verbal participation during the mock trial (5 Points) starting on Wednesday 2/1.
MY ROLE IN MOCK TRIAL IS: ______________________________________________________
These links are just suggestions. You are encouraged to search other
sites as well. Vary the search terms used to find sites that are relevant
and understandable to you. The main goal is to find specific details and
quotes that can be used in your witness testimony or lawyer speech.
(No bibliography is needed)
Articles on Differing Interpretations on Who is to Blame for WWI
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/world-war-one/inside-first-world-war/part-one/10271886/who-started-world-war-one.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/world-history/who-was-to-blame-for-the-first-world-war-9045039.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26048324
http://whoistoblameforwwi.weebly.com/
Helpful Websites for Information on various aspects of the war:
http://www.firstworldwar.com/index.htm
http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/worldwari/tp/wwi101.htm
http://www.bbc.com/history/0/ww1/
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/world_war_one.htm
http://www.sparknotes.com/history/european/ww1/
Videos:
Cartoon Summary of WWI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3UjJ5kxiLI
Crash Course World History on WWI:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd2ch4XV84s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pFCpKtwCkI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XPZQ0LAlR4&list=PLBDA2E52FB1EF80C9&index=36
History Channel short videos relating to WWI
http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i