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Century of Conflict

Driving Question: What caused the global conflicts from 1914 to 1991, and how did people experience this period of global war?

The twentieth century was shaped by war, but why did these global conflicts happen—and how did people live through them? In this lesson, you’ll gain an overview of the causes, consequences, and human experiences of war from 1914 to 1991.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Use the historical thinking practice of causation to understand how events and processes of the long nineteenth century contributed to global conflict in the century that followed.
  2. Identify major changes and continuities in communities, networks, and production and distribution during this era of global conflict.
STEP 1

Opener: Century of Conflict

Begin learning about the global conflicts of the twentieth century by looking back at the long nineteenth century. You will examine how political, economic, and social changes from earlier eras helped create the tensions that led to World War I.

Opener

Opener

The Path to Global Conflict External link

This visual analysis activity asks you to connect major changes from the long nineteenth century to the outbreak of World War I.
STEP 2

Looking Ahead

Agree or disagree? Evaluate some statements before you dive into Unit 8—then see how accurate you were when you get to the end of the unit.

Activity

Activity

Unit 8 Notebook: Part 1 External link

It’s time to explore some of the big ideas of Unit 8. Remember, you’ll have a chance to revisit these ideas at the end of the unit when you have more evidence.
STEP 3

Century of Conflict

Get a big-picture view of the forces that shaped the twentieth century. In this video and article, you'll explore how global conflicts, shifting power, and new technologies defined this era—and begin to uncover the causes and consequences of war on a global scale.

Global Conflict (1914 to 1991 CE): Unit 8 Overview External link

After each of the world wars, world leaders hoped to create a system that would prevent future wars. They all failed. What can we learn about this period of global conflict from the art of young people who experienced it?

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
Article

Article

Unit 8 Introduction: Century of Conflict External link

The long nineteenth century produced monumental changes for the world. During the twentieth century, these transformations helped produced a century of global conflict that remade the world and reshaped global power.
STEP 4

Framing Unit 8

History is full of conflict, but how we understand that conflict depends on the frame we use. The videos and activity will help you apply the frames to analyze the causes and effects of global wars and how people experienced them from 1914 to 1991.

Unit 8 Frames Part 1 External link

What were the causes and effects of the global conflicts that engulfed the world during the twentieth century? Let’s see how our three frames can help us understand this question.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.

Unit 8 Frames Part 2 External link

The Cold War and decolonization were struggles that can be studied through all three frames of the course, each giving us a different picture of how they were related.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
Opener

Opener

Making Claims: Frames External link

This activity asks you to practice your claim-making and counterclaim-making skills. This will help you evaluate your ability to make strong, evidence-backed claims, and give you an idea of how well you understand the three frames.
STEP 5

Closer: Century of Conflict

Coming Soon!

Closer

Closer

Coming Soon! External link

Extension Materials
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It’s time to take on the role of editor. Review a classmate’s essay to provide helpful feedback.
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Peer Review

Being able to provide clear and supportive writing feedback to a classmate isn’t just helpful to them—it will also help you develop your own understanding of strong writing.

Activity

Activity

Writing: Peer Editing External link

In this activity, you’ll analyze and edit a classmate’s essay based on the WHP Writing Rubric. The feedback you provide for your peer’s essay will help their writing improve, and the feedback you receive in turn will make you a stronger writer.