The causes of the First World War (1)
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Part 1 (Lesson 1)
Basing your work on what you have been learning and using various available resources:
1. Make a mind map to illustrate the underlying causes of the First World War.
2. Draw a map of Europe in 1914 to show examples of nationalism, imperialism, militarism and
alliances in each country.
3. Now add the information from your map of Europe to your mind map.
Part 2 (Lesson 2)
With a partner, work out and explain the following in your exercise book. Write in full sentences and
use a variety of resources:
1. Why several European countries formed alliances.
2. How the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 affected the relationship between France and
Germany.
3. How some of the four long-term causes helped to increase the likelihood of war.
4. Which of the long-term causes was the greatest threat to peace.
Useful resources
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/bismarck_otto_von.shtml
http://www.firstworldwar.com/bio/bismarck.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/wilhelm_kaiser_ii.shtml
http://www.firstworldwar.com/bio/wilhelmii.htm
http://www.ww1-propaganda-cards.com/sarajevo_murder.html
http://www.worldwar1.com/index.html
• It is useful for students to have some background on Kaiser Wilhelm (his grandmother was Queen
Victoria; cousin King George V; born with a withered arm and possible brain damage; he was
energetic and enthusiastic, but unpredictable; he had a cold family background and was ambitious for Germany) and Otto von Bismarck (from the Prussian aristocracy; changed from being an
atheist to being very religious; heavy drinker in his youth; also known as the ‘Iron Chancellor’ as
founder and first chancellor of the German Empire; great diplomat, but also extremely ambitious
for Germany)
• All students should investigate how and why each country built up their armies and navies – was the
arms race justified? Individual governments said that it was to prevent war, but in reality it caused
serious financial difficulties for all governments involved.
• European Military spending and the size of their armies, 1913–14:
Country
Italy
Soldiers
Money spent in millions
750,000
10,000,000
Russia
1,250,000
15,500,000
Austria
750,000
22,500,000
Germany
8,250,000
60,000,000
France
1,500,000
40,000,000
Britain
750,000
50,000,000
http://education.hodge2.continuumbooks.com © Susie Hodge (2010)
Resources for Teaching History 14–16. London: Continuum.