BRAINSTORM In your group, brainstorm 10 things you

already know about World War I. Talk about your list and add to it if they have something you didn’t.

Go up to the board and write one thing from your list (that isn’t already up there!), and one thing you and your partner want to know/learn about WWI.

http://www.history.com/videos/wwi-firsts#wwi-firsts

MAIN CAUSES

In a group of 4, you will be assigned a cause of WWI that you must investigate. Fill out the worksheet under the letter you

were assigned. Become an expert

Then, share with your group on the cause you investigated.

WORLD WAR 1 “The Great War”

1914-1918

N – NATIONALISM Pride and patriotism in ones own nation! Competitiveness National interests/unity stronger than

global cooperation's

I – IMPERIALISM Nationalist competition worsened

imperial conflicts among powers of Europe

M – MILITARISM Belief of a

government that a country should maintain a strong military and be prepared to use it to defend national interests.

Each nation hoping to be stronger than their enemy (or anyone else in general)!

A – ALLIANCES Hostilities, jealousies, fears

and desires led to treaties between nations.

Allies (Triple Entente) France Great Britain Russia (had a separate treaty w/Serbia)

United States (eventually)

Central Powers (Triple Alliance) Germany Austria-Hungary Italy (which eventually switch

sides!)

Ottoman Empire (eventually)

MAP OF EUROPE IN JULY 1914 In your group of 2-3, look at the Map.

Discuss the boundaries and borders. What are some of the strengths and

weaknesses for the following places: United Kingdom, France, the German Empire, the

Austro-Hungarian Empire, Belgium, Serbia and Russia

Now look at the key. Knowing the sides these places fall on, discuss strengths and weaknesses for each “side” (Central vs. Entente Powers)

HOW A SANDWICH STARTED THE WAR…

WAR IN EUROPE Germany invades Belgium – 1914

Belgium’s fled in terror The British and French were not able to

save them. Schlieffen Plan

http://www.history.com/videos/causes-of-world-war-i#causes-of-world-war-i

WARFARE

Trench Warfare Bloody way of

fighting. Lasted for more than

3 years Forces a slow wearing

down of the enemy

“No Man’s Land” – barren expanse of mud filled with shell craters and barbed wire

“TRENCH FOOT” Medical condition caused by prolonged

exposure of the feet to damp, unsanitary, and cold conditions

Feet may become numb and swell Feet may begin to have a decaying odor Causes blisters and sores leading to

fungal infection If untreated it can lead to gangreane

which can lead to amputations

TRENCH MOUTH

AUDIO INTERVIEWS

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwone/soldiers_stories_gallery.shtml

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/first-world-war/interviews/025015-1510-e.html#a.transcript

Answer questions on Note Guide

AMERICAN NEUTRALITY

1914- Americans see no point in joining a fight 3,000 miles away Did not threaten lives or property of

Americans

Still, individual Americans were indifferent to who would win the warPUBLIC OPINION STRONG – but divided

OPPOSITION TO WAR American’s from European descent

watched the war closely.

Socialists criticized war Saying it was an “Imperialist struggle” for who

can control raw materials/markets in China

Many did not want their sons to experience the horrors of war “I didn’t raise my boy to be a soldier, I

brought him up to be my pride and joy. Who dares to place a musket on his shoulder, To shoot some other mother’s darling boy?”

SYMPATHY FOR ALLIES Many felt close to England and

sympathized for France.

Germany seen as the “bully of Europe”.

Ties with Allies were stronger Trade with Britain/France twice as much as

with Germany.

SPEECHES! With a partner, analyze 3 documents

about Americas stance on WWI. Answer the questions that go along with it. Be prepared to discuss.

YOUR TASK…

Write a journal entry or a letter home to a loved one. Put yourself in the shoes of a World War I soldier in the trenches and describe what trench life is like.

NEXT TIME…. Neutrality ends!

The Lusitania & Zimmerman Telegram

Propaganda of WWI