WWI: What Sparked the War?

WWI: What Sparked the War?

Exploring the Causes of the First World War Year 9 History NSW Stage 5 Curriculum

Think & Jot Starter

What factors make countries go to war? Write down your ideas for 2 minutes Share one idea with a partner We'll record common responses on the board

The MAIN Causes of WWI

Militarism - Building up armies and weapons Alliances - Countries forming partnerships Imperialism - Competition for colonies Nationalism - Pride in one's country

European Alliances 1914

The Spark That Lit the Fuse

'The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the immediate trigger that turned European tensions into world war.'

28 June 1914: The Assassination

Archduke Franz Ferdinand visits Sarajevo Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne Shot by Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia Alliance system pulls in other nations

Source Analysis Stations

Station A: Primary source - 1914 newspaper headline Station B: Secondary source - Historian's perspective Station C: Visual source - Political cartoon or map Complete evidence sheet at each station 6-7 minutes per station

Exit Reflection

Which cause of WWI do you think was most important? Support your answer with evidence from today's sources Write a 5-7 sentence paragraph explaining your choice