1. World War I and the Russian Revolution
Section 1: The Great War Begins
Alliances Draw Lines
Because of distrust among nations, two large alliances emerged—the Triple Alliance of Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary and the Triple Entente of France, Russia, and Britain.
Rivalries and Nationalism Increase Tension
Economic rivalries, struggles over colonies, arms races, and aggressive nationalism pushed Europe toward war.
What countries belonged to which alliance?
Why did these countries enter into alliances?
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “Who killed the Archduke and his wife?” (Gavrilo Princip) “Why might Princip have done this?” (Sample: to make a statement about Serbian nationalism.)
When Showing Color Transparency 157, use the lesson suggested in the transparency book to guide a discussion on the causes and consequences of the Schlieffen Plan.
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2. World War I and the Russian Revolution
Section 1: The Great War Begins
The Powder Keg Ignites
In Sarajevo, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the nephew of the Austrian emperor was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist, causing Austria (backed by Germany) to declare war on Serbia. This area is known as the Balkans.
Alliances Kick In
Serbia enlisted the help of its ally, Russia, which brought France along with it into the war. Britain joined the war when Germany invaded neutral Belgium.
What was the “Powder Keg” of Europe?
What year did the war start and what year did it end?
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “Who killed the Archduke and his wife?” (Gavrilo Princip) “Why might Princip have done this?” (Sample: to make a statement about Serbian nationalism.)
When Showing Color Transparency 157, use the lesson suggested in the transparency book to guide a discussion on the causes and consequences of the Schlieffen Plan.
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3. World War I and the Russian Revolution: Section 1
Note Taking Transparency 169
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4. World War I and the Russian Revolution: Section 1
Color Transparency 157: The Schlieffen Plan
What is the purpose of the Schlieffen Plan?
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5. World War I and the Russian Revolution: Section 2
The new use of machine guns, artillery guns, poison gas, tanks, airplanes and submarines all changed the tactics required to win the war.
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6. World War I and the Russian Revolution
Section 3: Winning the War
Morale Collapses
With mounting death tolls and massive food shortages in most of Europe and Russia, plus lack of industrialization at home, troops began to desert their posts. In Russia, a revolution erupted that would bring Vladmir.I. Lenin to power. He pulled Russia out of World War I.
The United States Declares War
When Germany announced they would resume unrestricted submarine warfare and the German foreign minister was discovered soliciting Mexico’s help against the United States, President Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany.
What was the result of Russia withdrawing from the war?
What was the German solicitation of Mexico called?
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What is the tone of the song?” (optimistic, excited, eager) “What do you think was the purpose of this song?” (to motivate troops) “Do you think the song fulfills that purpose?” (Answers will vary.)
When showing Color Transparency 156, use the lesson suggested in the transparency book to guide a discussion on how propaganda art was used in World War I.
When showing Color Transparency 160, use the lesson suggested in the transparency book to guide a discussion about Wilson’s terms for resolving the conflict.
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7. World War I and the Russian Revolution
Section 3: Winning the War
Victory at Last
The United States entered the war on the side of the Allies partly due to economic considerations. When fresh troops arrived in Europe by the thousands, the weary German forces were no match. Austria-Hungary were also unraveling and its subject nations seized the moment to revolt.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What is the tone of the song?” (optimistic, excited, eager) “What do you think was the purpose of this song?” (to motivate troops) “Do you think the song fulfills that purpose?” (Answers will vary.)
When showing Color Transparency 156, use the lesson suggested in the transparency book to guide a discussion on how propaganda art was used in World War I.
When showing Color Transparency 160, use the lesson suggested in the transparency book to guide a discussion about Wilson’s terms for resolving the conflict.
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8. World War I and the Russian Revolution
Section 4: Making the Peace
The Costs of War
Influenza had spread among the troops at the end of the war and went home with them to their families and neighbors. The loss of lives from the flu (20 million worldwide) and the war and the costs of rebuilding war-ravaged cities made some countries and colonies vulnerable to revolt. There were approximately 30 million casualties and the war cost about $338 billion.
The reason that World War I saw more death and destruction than any other European was due to the advances in warfare technology since the Industrial Revolution.
What were “costs of the war”?
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What is Brittain’s reaction to the peace negotiations?” (She is unhappy with their outcome) Why do you think Brittain had this reaction? (She may have hoped that the sacrifices her loved ones made would lead to a more positive resolution.)
When showing the casualty pie charts, ask, “Which two nations suffered the highest proportion of soldier deaths? Why were American casualties relatively low?”
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9. World War I and the Russian Revolution
Section 4: Making the Peace
The Paris Peace Conference
The Allies met in Paris to decide what the outcome of the war would be for Europe. President Wilson wanted to advance his Fourteen Points, which would bring “peace without victory.” The guiding principle behind the Fourteen Points was self-determination for Eastern Europe. The British Prime Minister wanted to rebuild England on a grand scale, while France’s leader wanted to see Germany punished.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What is Brittain’s reaction to the peace negotiations?” (She is unhappy with their outcome) Why do you think Brittain had this reaction? (She may have hoped that the sacrifices her loved ones made would lead to a more positive resolution.)
When showing the casualty pie charts, ask, “Which two nations suffered the highest proportion of soldier deaths? Why were American casualties relatively low?”
The Treaty of Versailles
Germany was forced to sign the Treaty of Versailles, which narrowed German borders and as well as saddling the country with the costs of war reparations. For a country whose economy was already reeling, the debt would prove too costly. Germany was also given primary responsibility for the war.
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10. World War I and the Russian Revolution: Section 4
What was a legacy of the Treaty of Versailles?
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11. World War I and the Russian Revolution
Section 4: Making the Peace
The Outcome of the Peace Settlements
Other treaties also went into effect. In Eastern Europe, the Allies created new nations, such as Poland and Yugoslavia. Previously German-ruled colonies in Africa and Asia were administered by other Western powers.
The League of Nations
The League of Nations was also established, although without U.S. participation. Critics felt that the League of Nations would not be able to keep peace or last long.
Why did the U.S. not participate in the League of Nations?
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What is Brittain’s reaction to the peace negotiations?” (She is unhappy with their outcome) Why do you think Brittain had this reaction? (She may have hoped that the sacrifices her loved ones made would lead to a more positive resolution.)
When showing the casualty pie charts, ask, “Which two nations suffered the highest proportion of soldier deaths? Why were American casualties relatively low?”
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12. World War I: The Warring Powers
A. Austria-Hungary
B. Great Britain
C. France
D. Italy
E. Germany
F. Russia
G. Spain
H. Ottoman Empire
I. Portugal
J. Greece
K. Sweden
L. Switzerland
Which countries belong to the Central Powers and which belong to the Allied Powers?
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