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WWI: Investigating the Main Causes

Grade 11Social Studies3 days

This project delves into the intricate web of factors that led to World War I, focusing on Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism (M.A.I.N.). Students will investigate each of these elements through various activities, including analyzing military spending, participating in an alliance simulation, researching colonial disputes, and examining nationalistic movements. The project culminates in a portfolio that demonstrates their understanding of how these interconnected causes contributed to the outbreak of the war and shaped its course. Students will also critically assess the role of each major power during the July Crisis.

MilitarismAlliancesImperialismNationalismWorld War IJuly CrisisEuropean History

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.To what extent were militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism responsible for the outbreak of World War I, and how did these factors shape the course and consequences of the war?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What were the M.A.I.N. causes of World War I, and how did they contribute to the outbreak of the war?
How did militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism create a dangerous environment for war in Europe?
To what extent was each of the M.A.I.N. causes responsible for the outbreak of World War I?
What events triggered the outbreak of World War I, and how were they connected to the M.A.I.N. causes?
In what ways did the M.A.I.N. causes of World War I shape the course of the war and its aftermath?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Analyze the complex interplay of militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism as primary causes of World War I.
Evaluate the extent to which each of the M.A.I.N. factors contributed to the outbreak of WWI.
Examine the specific events that triggered World War I and their relationship to the M.A.I.N. causes.
Assess how the M.A.I.N. causes shaped the strategies, outcomes, and long-term consequences of World War I.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

WWI Conspiracy Theory Challenge

Present students with a series of outlandish conspiracy theories related to the start of WWI. Students must evaluate the evidence (primary source documents, historical accounts) to debunk the theories and, in the process, identify the actual factors that led to the war.

The Time Traveler's Telegram

A mysterious telegram arrives, supposedly from 1914, warning of impending disaster and hinting at the complex web of alliances and rivalries. Students must decipher the message and investigate its claims to uncover the underlying causes of WWI.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Militarism's March: Arms Race Analysis

Students will investigate the concept of militarism and its role in escalating tensions before World War I. They will analyze military spending data, army sizes, and naval developments of major European powers to understand the arms race dynamic.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research the military spending, army sizes, and naval developments of major European powers (e.g., Germany, Great Britain, France, Russia) from 1900 to 1914.

2. Create a visual representation (graph, chart, or infographic) comparing the military growth of these nations.

3. Write a short analysis explaining the trends observed and how this arms race contributed to a climate of fear and aggression.

4. Cite all sources using a consistent citation style (e.g., MLA, Chicago).

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual representation of military growth (graph, chart, or infographic) accompanied by a written analysis of the arms race.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Analyze the complex interplay of militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism as primary causes of World War I. Specifically focuses on militarism and its contribution to pre-war tensions.

Activity 2

Tangled Webs: Alliance Simulation

Students will participate in a simulation to understand the complex system of alliances in Europe before World War I. They will be assigned roles representing different countries and navigate hypothetical scenarios to see how alliances could lead to widespread conflict.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Receive a role assignment representing a specific European country and its alliance obligations.

2. Participate in a simulation where hypothetical crises arise, requiring countries to make decisions based on their alliance commitments.

3. Document the decisions made by your assigned country and the reactions of other countries in a journal.

4. After the simulation, write a reflection on how the alliance system contributed to the escalation of conflict and the outbreak of war.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA journal documenting the decisions made during the alliance simulation, along with a reflective essay on the impact of the alliance system.

Alignment

Activity 3

Imperialism's Scramble: Colonial Competition Analysis

Students will examine the role of imperialism in creating rivalries and tensions among European powers. They will research specific colonial disputes and analyze how competition for resources and territories contributed to the outbreak of war.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research specific colonial disputes between European powers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries (e.g., Moroccan Crisis, Fashoda Incident).

2. Create a presentation (slideshow, poster, or video) summarizing the key events, involved parties, and outcomes of the chosen colonial disputes.

3. Analyze how these colonial disputes contributed to tensions and rivalries among European powers.

4. Incorporate primary source excerpts (e.g., diplomatic correspondence, newspaper articles) to support your analysis.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation (slideshow, poster, or video) analyzing the role of colonial disputes in escalating tensions among European powers.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Analyze the complex interplay of militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism as primary causes of World War I. Specifically focuses on imperialism and its contribution to pre-war tensions.

Activity 4

Nationalism's Flame: Case Study of Nationalistic Movements

Students will explore the impact of nationalism by examining specific nationalistic movements in Europe before World War I. They will investigate how these movements fueled tensions, particularly in the Balkans, and contributed to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research specific nationalistic movements in Europe before World War I (e.g., Pan-Slavism, Serbian nationalism).

2. Write a case study focusing on one chosen nationalistic movement, detailing its goals, activities, and impact on regional stability.

3. Analyze how nationalistic aspirations contributed to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the outbreak of World War I.

4. Include maps illustrating the geographical scope of the nationalistic movement and its territorial claims.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA case study analyzing a specific nationalistic movement and its contribution to the outbreak of World War I, including maps and analysis.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Analyze the complex interplay of militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism as primary causes of World War I. Specifically focuses on nationalism and its contribution to pre-war tensions, especially regarding the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Activity 5

The Spark: Analyzing the July Crisis

Students will conduct a detailed analysis of the July Crisis of 1914, examining the series of diplomatic events and decisions that led to the outbreak of World War I. They will evaluate the role of each major power in escalating the crisis and assess the missed opportunities for de-escalation.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Create a timeline of the key events of the July Crisis, from the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand to the declarations of war.

2. Research the diplomatic correspondence and decisions of each major power (e.g., Austria-Hungary, Germany, Russia, France, Great Britain) during the crisis.

3. Write an analytical essay evaluating the role of each major power in escalating the crisis, including their motivations, actions, and missed opportunities for de-escalation.

4. Support your analysis with evidence from primary source documents (e.g., telegrams, diplomatic notes).

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn analytical essay evaluating the role of each major power in escalating the July Crisis, supported by a timeline of key events and primary source evidence.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Examine the specific events that triggered World War I and their relationship to the M.A.I.N. causes. Focuses on the July Crisis as the immediate trigger and connects it to the underlying M.A.I.N. causes.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

M.A.I.N. Causes of WWI Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Understanding of M.A.I.N. Causes

Demonstrates comprehension of the key concepts of militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism and their relevance to WWI.

Criterion 1

Concept Explanation

Clearly and accurately explains each of the M.A.I.N. causes.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides thorough and insightful explanations of each M.A.I.N. cause, demonstrating a deep understanding of their complexities and nuances.

Proficient

3 Points

Clearly explains each of the M.A.I.N. causes with accurate details and examples.

Developing

2 Points

Provides basic explanations of the M.A.I.N. causes, but may lack detail or clarity in some areas.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to explain the M.A.I.N. causes accurately or provides incomplete explanations.

Criterion 2

Relevance to WWI

Demonstrates a clear understanding of how each M.A.I.N. cause contributed to the outbreak of WWI.

Exemplary

4 Points

Articulates a sophisticated understanding of how each M.A.I.N. cause intricately contributed to the outbreak and trajectory of WWI, providing nuanced connections and insights.

Proficient

3 Points

Clearly connects each M.A.I.N. cause to specific events and tensions that led to WWI.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies the relationship between the M.A.I.N. causes and WWI, but may not provide specific examples or detailed explanations.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to connect the M.A.I.N. causes to the outbreak of WWI.

Category 2

Analysis and Critical Thinking

Demonstrates analytical skills and critical thinking in evaluating the relative importance and interplay of the M.A.I.N. causes.

Criterion 1

Cause Prioritization

Evaluates the extent to which each M.A.I.N. cause contributed to the war, providing reasoned arguments for their prioritization.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a compelling and insightful evaluation of the relative importance of each M.A.I.N. cause, supporting arguments with strong evidence and demonstrating a nuanced understanding of their interplay.

Proficient

3 Points

Evaluates the contribution of each M.A.I.N. cause, offering clear arguments to support their prioritization.

Developing

2 Points

Attempts to evaluate the relative importance of the M.A.I.N. causes, but may lack sufficient evidence or clear reasoning.

Beginning

1 Points

Fails to evaluate the relative importance of the M.A.I.N. causes or provides unsubstantiated opinions.

Criterion 2

Interplay of Causes

Analyzes the complex interplay and connections between the M.A.I.N. causes, demonstrating an understanding of their interconnectedness.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presents a sophisticated analysis of the intricate interplay between the M.A.I.N. causes, revealing deep connections and demonstrating a holistic understanding of their combined impact.

Proficient

3 Points

Analyzes the connections between the M.A.I.N. causes, explaining how they reinforced each other.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies some connections between the M.A.I.N. causes, but may not fully explain their interplay.

Beginning

1 Points

Fails to recognize or explain the connections between the M.A.I.N. causes.

Category 3

Evidence and Support

Uses historical evidence effectively to support claims and arguments related to the M.A.I.N. causes.

Criterion 1

Evidence Selection

Selects relevant and credible evidence to support claims about the M.A.I.N. causes.

Exemplary

4 Points

Selects a wide range of highly relevant and credible evidence, demonstrating a discerning eye for sources and a commitment to thorough research.

Proficient

3 Points

Selects relevant and credible evidence to support claims.

Developing

2 Points

Selects some relevant evidence, but may include less credible or less directly related sources.

Beginning

1 Points

Provides little to no relevant evidence to support claims.

Criterion 2

Evidence Application

Effectively uses evidence to support arguments, providing clear explanations of how the evidence supports the claims.

Exemplary

4 Points

Masterfully integrates evidence into arguments, providing insightful explanations of its significance and drawing nuanced connections to support claims.

Proficient

3 Points

Effectively uses evidence to support arguments, explaining how it supports the claims.

Developing

2 Points

Uses evidence, but may not fully explain how it supports the claims or may misinterpret the evidence.

Beginning

1 Points

Fails to use evidence effectively or misinterprets the evidence.

Category 4

Communication and Presentation

Communicates ideas clearly and effectively through written or visual presentations.

Criterion 1

Clarity and Organization

Presents information in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presents information with exceptional clarity and organization, creating a seamless and engaging experience for the audience.

Proficient

3 Points

Presents information in a clear and well-organized manner.

Developing

2 Points

Presents information in a somewhat organized manner, but may lack clarity in some areas.

Beginning

1 Points

Presents information in a disorganized and confusing manner.

Criterion 2

Visual Appeal (If Applicable)

Creates visually appealing and informative presentations (if applicable).

Exemplary

4 Points

Creates a visually stunning and informative presentation that enhances understanding and engagement.

Proficient

3 Points

Creates a visually appealing and informative presentation.

Developing

2 Points

Creates a presentation with some visual elements, but it may lack appeal or clarity.

Beginning

1 Points

Creates a presentation with minimal or ineffective visual elements.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

To what extent do you believe the M.A.I.N. causes were interconnected in leading to World War I? Use specific examples from your portfolio activities to support your answer.

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Question 2

Which of the M.A.I.N. causes do you consider the most significant in contributing to the outbreak of World War I? Explain your reasoning.

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Question 3

How has your understanding of the complexities that led to WWI evolved throughout this project?

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Question 4

Reflecting on the alliance simulation, how did your assigned country's decisions impact the overall outcome, and what did you learn about the challenges of diplomacy during that time?

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Question 5

How effective do you think the efforts to prevent future wars, made after WWI, have been? Provide examples to support your answer.

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