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Year 9 History: Causes of the First World War lesson pack

A complete, ready-to-teach KS3 lesson on causes of the first world war. Below is a real sample of what ChalkHour makes: the full pack adds three levels of worksheet, model answers, a teaching explainer and print-ready PDF and Word files.

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Real sample

Causes of the First World War

This lesson explores the complex web of long-term and short-term causes that led to the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. Students will use the MAIN acronym to categorise causes and understand the role of the assassination in Sarajevo.

Learning objectives

  • Identify and define the four long-term causes of WWI (Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism).
  • Explain how the alliance system turned a regional conflict into a global war.
  • Analyse the significance of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand as the immediate cause of the war.

Lesson plan (60 minutes)

  1. Introduction · 10 min

    Starter: 'The Powder Keg' - Discussion on what makes a situation 'explode' and introduction to the acronym MAIN.

  2. Teaching · 15 min

    Direct Instruction: Teacher talk through the 6-step explainer on the MAIN causes and the assassination in Sarajevo.

  3. Independent Practice · 20 min

    Differentiated Worksheet Activity: Students work through Support, Core, or Stretch tasks based on prior attainment.

  4. Review · 15 min

    Plenary: Multiple-choice quiz to check for understanding and summary of how the 'spark' lit the 'powder keg'.

Key vocabulary

Militarism
Building up armed forces and getting ready for war.
Alliances
Agreements between nations to aid and protect one another.
Imperialism
When a strong nation dominates other countries politically, socially, and economically.
Nationalism
A strong feeling of pride in and devotion to one's country or ethnic group.
The Balkans
A region in SE Europe where tensions were high due to many different ethnic groups.

Core worksheet (first questions)

  1. How did Imperialism create tension between European powers before 1914?
  2. Explain why the Alliance System made a large-scale war more likely.
  3. Describe the 'naval race' between Britain and Germany.
  4. In what way did Nationalism contribute to instability in the Balkans?

Quiz (sample)

  1. 1. What does the acronym MAIN stand for?

    • A. Monarchy, Alliances, Industry, Navy
    • B. Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism
    • C. Money, Armies, Industry, Notoriety
    • D. Militarism, Airforce, Infantry, Navy

  2. 2. Which countries made up the Triple Entente?

    • A. Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy
    • B. Great Britain, USA, and France
    • C. Great Britain, France, and Russia
    • D. Germany, Russia, and Italy

  3. 3. What is the best definition of Imperialism in the context of WWI?

    • A. Building the biggest navy
    • B. Creating a system of secret treaties
    • C. Competing for colonies and overseas territories
    • D. Pride in one's own country

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Support and Stretch worksheets, every answer and model answer, the teaching explainer and common misconceptions, editable and ready to print as PDF or Word.

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