This learning module addresses the topic of World War I from the world perspective. This lesson is designed specifically for high school students, but could be adapted for middle school students, as well. Topics addressed in this learning module include: - Causes of WWI - How WWI began - Trench warfare - Advancements in weaponry and technology - The United States involvement in the war - Propaganda - Important battles of the war - Ending events of the war including the peace terms (specifically the Treaty of Versailles) - The global impact of the war
war, militarism, alliances, imperialism, nationalism, trench warfare, propaganda, Treaty of Versailles
This learning module addresses the topic of World War I from the world perspective. This lesson is designed specifically for high school students, but could be adapted for middle school students, as well.
Topics addressed in this learning module include:
Students will be expected to complete each learning module in this unit. as well as, any assigned activity throughout the module.
Student activities include:
BACKGROUND
World War I, also known as the Great War, was a worldwide conflict that was fought between 1914-1918. This conflict pinned the Allied Powers against the Central Powers. While many believed that this would be a short and manageable spat between countries in Europe, this war soon developed into a long and bloody battle that enveloped the entire world. In the end, this war created an astronomical amount of bloodshed, casualities, and destruction.
Make a comment addressing the following information:
CAUSES OF WORLD WAR I
After making your update, read the handout and watch the following video explaining the four major causes of World War I. Make mental notes on the descriptions of each cause and how these relate to other events we have discussed thus far in this course.
WWI CAUSES SURVEY
After watching the above video, complete the WWI Causes Survey.
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BACKGROUND
Now that we understand the events that will eventually cause World War I, we need to discuss HOW the war actually began. That spark that began WWI is the assassination of the Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife on July 28, 1914.
Watch the video below to learn about this event and its impact.
To help you understand how Europe became embedded in war, look at the diagram below that I have created.
Make a comment addressing the following information:
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BACKGROUND
World War I is often described as a defensive war due to the military strategy of trench warfare. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, trench warfare can be described as "warfare in which the opposing forces attack and counterattack from a relatively permanent system of trenches protected by barbed-wire entanglements."
Below is a diagram of how a trench was set up:
Below are two photographs of Allied trenches during WWI:
Read the handout and watch the video below describing what life was life was like living in the trenches:
TRENCH WARFARE UPDATE
Make an update of your own addressing at least 10 specific hardships that WWI soldiers faced due to trench warfare.
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BACKGROUND
World War I changed the way that wars were fought. Soldiers were not professional trained militias. Instead, they were common, everyday people. This is also an age of drastic changes in the areas on weaponry, technology, and forms of communication.
Click through the following PowerPoint slides describing some of these changes:
Next, go to the BBC World War 1 website. Click through all sections - weapons, war machines, communications, and technology.
WWI SOLDIER R.A.F.T. WRITING ACTIVITY
Step 1 - Create an update of 300 words or more using the following information to create a R.A.F.T. writing piece:
Step 2 - Respond to at least THREE updates following the guidelines below:
Use this rubric to help you!
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BACKGROUND
When World War I began in 1914, United States President Woodrow Wilson immediately offered his plan to remain neutral in this conflict. This was a move that most Americans at the time favored. Even with the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 that killed 124 Americans, the US stuck to their plan of neutrality. However, by 1917, America could no longer remain an outsider. With the discovery of the Zimmerman Telegram, the Germans declaring unrestricted submarine warfare, and the Russians withdrawing from the war, America was forced to get involved in the conflict. They formally joined the Allied Powers on April 6, 1917.
Read the following article on the events leading up to America entering World War I.
To understand America's efforts during World War I both abroad and at home, watch the following crash course video below.
Make a comment addressing the following information:
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BACKGROUND
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, propaganda is described as "ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one's cause or to damage an opposing cause." World War I was the first modern war in history that utilized the media to keep people informed about the status of the conflict. It was also the first time that governments employed agencies to create images and slogans to alter public opinion about the war efforts.
Look at the following propaganda posters from World War I. Make mental notes of not only their message(s), but also what characterisitics they all have in common.
Common message - join the war effort
All of the propaganda posters have several common characteristics:
WORLD WAR I PROPAGANDA POSTER ACTIVITY
Step 1 - Make an update by creating your own WWI propaganda poster - either computer generated or hand drawn. Attach your poster into Scholar as an image file. Follow the guidelines below:
Step 2 - Comment on THREE other student's updates by determing their poster's message.
Before you begin your poster, you may want to view the following video on propaganda techniques with examples.
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BACKGROUND
World War I was not called “The Great War” just for dramatic effect. Battles during this conflict occurred in places stretching from France to Russia, from Belgium to Saudi Arabia.
To review the events and battles of World War I, go to the BBC website and click through the interactive map. Make sure to click "launch the animation" to begin your journey through the war.
WORLD WAR I BATTLE PROJECT
STEP ONE:
In Creator, you will be creating a work addressing one of the major battles of World War I. Make sure to follow the assignment rubric:
Below is the list of battles that you may choose from. Send me a message through Scholar on your top THREE choices - keeping in mind that you may not get those! I will message you back within 24 hours with your assigned battle. List of battles:
Address the following topics about your battle:
Additional Requirements:
STEP TWO:
Once your battle work is submitted, you will be required to peer-review at least TWO other student's works. You will need to make sure to utilize the rubric (attached above) when giving your comments and give specific constructive comments to help your peers enhance their work. You will have two days to complete this process from the 1st submission date.
STEP THREE:
Once you have received your peer-reviewed comments, you will be allowed to make any adjustments on your battle work before you submit it for publication. This will be due one week from the 1st submission date.
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BACKGROUND
By late summer to early fall of 1918, things began to unravel for the Central Powers. In August to September 1918, the Allied Powers were able to push the Germans back towards their own border. By September, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire surrendered, which was followed by the break up of Austria-Hungary in October. With no allies left and morale low both at home and on the battle front, Germany surrendered, and a formal armistice was signed on November 11, 1918. However, the "war to end all wars" was not officially over until a series of peace treaties were signed in 1919.
Watch the video below on the events that lead up to the end of World War I, as well as the major treaty that ended World War I - the Treaty of Versailles.
To understand the impacts of World War I, read the handout below.
Make an update addressing the following information:
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