Causes of WWI - Lesson Plan
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Duration: 120 minutes
Bloom's Taxonomy: Levels 2–4
 
Description:
This engaging lesson introduces students to the complex causes of World War I, including nationalism, militarism, alliances, and imperialism. Through thought-provoking activities, primary source analysis, and group discussions, students will explore the chain of events that escalated a regional dispute into a global conflict. Designed to build critical thinking and historical analysis skills, this lesson helps students connect historical decisions to broader themes of conflict, diplomacy, and cause-and-effect relationships.
 
What’s Included:
History Cat article: "Causes of WWI" for classroom distribution.
Scaffolded lesson plan: Warm-up activities, group discussions, and hands-on analysis.
Primary source analysis: Includes eyewitness accounts and political cartoons for interpretation.
Printable worksheets: Includes guided questions, cause-and-effect charts, and reflection prompts.
Answer keys: Provided for all activities to streamline grading and feedback.
Teacher’s guide: A step-by-step breakdown to support instruction and adaptations for diverse learners.
Emerging Readers: Guided reading notes for students who may need additional support. 
Extension Activites: We've included a few ideas for how you can take this lesson further. 
 
Skills Developed:
Analyzing primary sources and historical documents
Tracing cause-and-effect relationships in history
Forming evidence-based arguments and interpretations
 
Perfect For:
Teachers looking for an interactive and standards-aligned lesson plan that combines critical thinking, historical empathy, and inquiry-based learning. Ideal for classrooms focused on world history, government, or international relations.