FACTORS LEADING TO THE FIRST WORLD WAR LESSON
PLANS
Overview
World War One was one of the most catastrophic events in world history, resulting in
the deaths of millions of people and shaping the course of the twentieth century.
There were a number of factors that led to the outbreak of war in 1914.
One of the main causes of World War One was the system of alliances that had
developed between the major powers in Europe. These alliances were designed to
provide security for each nation, but they also created a situation in which any
conflict between two countries could quickly escalate into a wider war.
Another factor that contributed to the outbreak of war was nationalism, which was
on the rise in many European countries at the time. Nationalistic fervour led to an
aggressive foreign policy in some nations and a desire to expand their territories,
which often led to conflicts with neighbouring countries.
Imperialism was another factor that contributed to the outbreak of war. The
competition for colonies and territories around the world led to tensions between
the major powers, especially in Africa and Asia.
Finally, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in June
1914 was the immediate trigger for the outbreak of war. Austria-Hungary declared
war on Serbia, and the chain reaction of alliances and military mobilization led to the
involvement of all of the major powers in the conflict.
Overall, a complex combination of political, economic, and social factors contributed
to the outbreak of World War One, making it a devastating and tragic event that
changed the course of history.
Lessons
Lesson Plan 1: Introduction to the Causes of the First World War
Objective: Students will understand the key political and social factors that
contributed to the outbreak of the First World War.
1. Begin by introducing the topic of the First World War and asking students
what they already know about the conflict.
2. Explain that the First World War was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to
1918, and that it had a profound impact on the world, particularly in Europe.
3. Introduce the idea that the war was caused by a variety of factors, including
political tensions, economic competition, and social unrest.
4. Provide an overview of the main factors that led to the outbreak of war,
including nationalism, imperialism, militarism, and the alliance system.
5. Use maps and diagrams to help students visualize the complex web of
alliances that existed in Europe prior to the war.
6. Assign readings or primary source documents for homework that explore the
political and social factors that contributed to the outbreak of the war.
Lesson Plan 2: Nationalism and Imperialism
Objective: Students will understand how nationalism and imperialism contributed to
the outbreak of the First World War.
1. Begin by reviewing the concept of nationalism and asking students to provide
examples of nationalist movements in history.
2. Introduce the idea that nationalism played a major role in the outbreak of the
First World War, particularly in the Balkans.
3. Provide an overview of the complex web of ethnic and national tensions that
existed in the Balkans prior to the war.
4. Use primary source documents or case studies to illustrate how nationalism
contributed to the outbreak of war in the Balkans.
5. Next, introduce the concept of imperialism and explain how it contributed to
tensions between European powers.
6. Use maps and diagrams to show how European powers competed for colonial
territories and resources around the world.
7. Assign readings or primary source documents for homework that explore how
nationalism and imperialism contributed to the outbreak of the First World
War.
Lesson Plan 3: Militarism
Objective: Students will understand how militarism contributed to the outbreak of
the First World War.
1. Begin by reviewing the concept of militarism and asking students to provide
examples of militaristic societies in history.
2. Introduce the idea that militarism played a major role in the outbreak of the
First World War, particularly in Europe.
3. Provide an overview of the arms race that occurred between European powers
in the early 20th century.
4. Use primary source documents or case studies to illustrate how militarism
contributed to the outbreak of war, such as the Schlieffen Plan.
5. Next, introduce the concept of conscription and explain how it contributed to
the militarization of European societies.
6. Use photographs or videos to show the ways in which military technology and
tactics evolved in the lead-up to the First World War.
7. Assign readings or primary source documents for homework that explore how
militarism contributed to the outbreak of the First World War.
Lesson Plan 4: The Alliance System
Objective: Students will understand how the alliance system contributed to the
outbreak of the First World War.
1. Begin by reviewing the concept of alliances and asking students to provide
examples of alliances in history.
2. Introduce the idea that the alliance system played a major role in the outbreak
of the First World War.
3. Provide an overview of the main alliances that existed in Europe prior to the
war, including the Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance.
4. Use maps and diagrams to show how the alliance system created a complex
web of obligations and commitments among European powers.
5. Use primary source documents or case studies to illustrate how the alliance
system contributed to the outbreak of the first world war.