 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. 

 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.

“The Great War”

 Pride and patriotism in ones own nation!  Competitiveness  National interests/unity stronger than global cooperation's

 Nationalist competition worsened imperial conflicts among powers of Europe

 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)!

 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)

 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)

 Germany invades Belgium – 1914  Belgium’s fled in terror  The British and French were not able to save them.  Schlieffen Plan /causes-of-world-war-i#causes- of-world-war-i

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

 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

 wone/soldiers_stories_gallery.shtml  world-war/interviews/ e.html#a.transcript world-war/interviews/ e.html#a.transcript  Answer questions on Note Guide

 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 war  PUBLIC OPINION STRONG – but divided

 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?”

 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.

 With a partner, analyze 3 documents about Americas stance on WWI. Answer the questions that go along with it. Be prepared to discuss.

 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.

 Neutrality ends!  The Lusitania & Zimmerman Telegram  Propaganda of WWI