World War I — Causes and Consequences

WWI (1914-1918) was industrial warfare's debut. 16 million dead. The Treaty of Versailles punished Germany severely, setting stage for WWII. Indirect aim: modern history, preparation for 20th-century study, geopolitical literacy.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Cultural Studies
• Learning area: History
• Level: Ages 9-11

Objectives

• Study causes of WWI (nationalism, alliances, assassination)
• Map Europe before and after
• Research trench warfare
• Understand Treaty of Versailles and seeds of WWII

Materials

• WWI maps (before/after)
• Timeline
• Photos of trenches
• Treaty excerpts

Instructions

1. Causes: nationalism, alliances, imperialism, militarism, assassination of Archduke Ferdinand 1914. 2. Map Europe 1914. 3. Trench warfare: static front, mass casualties. 4. Technology: tanks, airplanes, gas. 5. 1917 US entry. 6. 1918 armistice. 7. Treaty of Versailles 1919. 8. Map Europe after. Discuss seeds of WWII.

Educator tip

Heavy material. Honor the human cost. Include primary sources from soldiers.

Assessment

Observe cause understanding, map reading, and causal reasoning to WWII.

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