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Causes of the First World War

Driving Question: What caused World War I?

Military forces grew, alliances locked in, and tensions rose across continents. When war finally came, it was no accident; it was the result of systems pushed to the breaking point.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Use the historical thinking practice of contextualization to understand the time, place, and circumstances that were the backdrop for the First World War.
  2. Use the historical thinking practice of causation to evaluate the factors that led to the outbreak of World War I.
  3. Use image-analysis skills to assess how propaganda was used in World War I.
STEP 2

A War to End All Wars

Unpack the tangled web of alliances, rivalries, and political choices that led to war in 1914. This step helps you sort through long-term causes and immediate sparks.

STEP 3

Global Conflict

World War I was not confined to Europe. Explore how deeply interconnected the world already was in 1914, and how those connections turned a regional crisis into a global war.

STEP 4

Closer: Causes of the First World War

Now that you've explored the causes of World War I, take a closer look at how those causes were communicated to the public. Propaganda posters reveal what leaders wanted people to believe—and why.

Extension Materials
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Examine a range of sources to better understand the emotional and human impact of the First World War.