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Here are the teacher pack items for The Leadup to World War I:
Overview In this experience, students brainstorm the causes of the American Revolution as an example of identifying underlying causes versus trigger events. Then they create a chart of the underlying causes of World War I: militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism. Next they read Sir Edward Grey’s speech to the British Parliament and state an opinion as to whether Britain should have entered World War I. Finally they examine the U.S. policy of isolationism and the nation’s entrance into the war, and then reflect on whether a superpower has an obligation to support its allies. Objectives
War is as old as human world history. Empires have conquered many territories; civil wars have shaped nations. The twentieth century saw not one, but two wars that involved so many nations that they are known as the World Wars. In this experience, you will learn about the developments leading up to the outbreak of World War I.
Objectives
Think back to an argument you had with a family member or a friend. What caused the argument? You might answer something like: My dad wouldn’t let me join my friends for a movie on a school night. But was that the real reason, or were there underlying causes for the argument? Maybe your dad was tired and stressed about his work, and he didn’t even listen to your request. Or maybe he knew that you had a big test the following day, and he thought you would better spend your time studying. Or maybe the previous weekend your parents had asked you to visit your grandparents, but you went out with your friends instead. Sometimes an argument has underlying causes that build up over time.
Think back to what you know about the American Revolution. What would you say were the causes of the war?
All of the options listed in the poll contributed to the outbreak of the American Revolution. Options (b) through (d) were underlying causes, and option (a) was the trigger event that started the war. Emphasize to students the difference between a trigger event (or catalyst) and an underlying cause.
