WWI Causes & Impact

National Curriculum Links

• History Key Stage 2 (Years 5 & 6):
  Pupils should be taught to:
  • Understand the causes and consequences of significant historical events in British history (NC History Programmes of Study).
  • Chronological understanding: place events from the period of World War One on a timeline
  • Understand how Britain has been influenced by the wider world through events such as WWI
  • Use a range of sources to investigate historical events and develop an understanding of differing perspectives

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this 45-minute session:

1. Pupils will describe the causes and key consequences of the First World War.
2. Pupils will identify and sequence important events: First Battle of Ypres, Battle of the Somme, US joining the Allies, and Armistice Day.
3. Pupils will understand and explain the significance of the Treaty of Versailles and its impact on Germany.
4. Pupils will begin to develop historical enquiry skills by examining primary and secondary sources.

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Resources

• High-quality printed maps showing the Western Front (1914-1918)
• Timeline cards for key WWI events
• Extracts from war letters or diary excerpts (age-appropriate)
• Images of the Treaty of Versailles signing
• Whiteboard and markers
• Sticky notes and large sheets for group work
• Projector for showing brief video clip (~3 minutes) summarising WWI

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter (5 minutes) – Quick Prior Knowledge Quiz

• Write 3 brief questions on the board:
  • When did WWI start and end?
  • Which countries were in the Allied Powers?
  • What was the name of the peace treaty that ended the war?
• In pairs, pupils discuss and write answers on mini whiteboards.
• Quickly review to activate prior knowledge.

2. Introduction (7 minutes) – Setting the Scene: Causes and Early Events

• Use a clear, simplified storyboard on the whiteboard outlining causes of WWI (e.g., alliances, militarism, nationalism, assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand).
• Map activity – pupils locate key countries involved, especially highlighting the Western Front.
• Introduce the First Battle of Ypres (1914): using images and short statements, explain its significance as one of the first major clashes showing trench warfare.

3. Main Activity (20 minutes) – Timeline and Consequences Exploration

• Group Work: Divide the class into 4 groups, assigning each a key event:

  1. First Battle of Ypres (1914)
  2. Battle of the Somme (1916)
  3. United States joining the Allies (1917)
  4. Armistice Day (11th November 1918) and Treaty of Versailles (1919)

• Each group receives:

  • Timeline cards with brief descriptions
  • Primary/secondary source extracts or images (e.g., soldier letters, newspaper headlines, political cartoons)
  • Large paper to present their event visually and explain the causes and consequences linked to it.

• Pupils answer focus questions:

  • What happened in this event?
  • Why was it important?
  • What was the effect on the war or on countries involved?

• Groups present their summaries to the class (2-3 minutes each).

4. Plenary (8 minutes) – Class Discussion and Reflection

• Lead a discussion on:

  • How did the entry of the United States change the course of the war?
  • Why did Germany have to take blame and pay reparations?
  • What might life have been like for people in Germany after the Treaty of Versailles?

• Ask pupils to write one sentence on a sticky note: “The most important thing I learned today was…” and post it on a class display area.

5. Differentiation

• Support provided for pupils with additional needs through guided group work and visual aids.
• Challenge task: Pupils can write a short diary entry as a WWI soldier reflecting on one of the battles discussed, incorporating historical facts.

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Assessment & Outcomes

• Formative assessment via answers in starter quiz and group presentations.
• Observation of participation and understanding in group discussions.
• Sticky note reflections to assess what pupils found significant.
• Evaluation of timeline cards and group visual summaries to check accurate sequencing.

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Extension/Home Learning

• Research task: Pupils investigate one other WWI battle or event and prepare a short fact file or presentation for the next lesson.
• Encourage pupils to explore local WWI memorials or museums virtually or physically.

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Teacher Notes

• Keep language age-appropriate but historically accurate.
• Encourage empathy and understanding by bringing in personal stories from soldiers or civilians affected by WWI.
• Use a mix of visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic learning approaches to engage all learners.
• Reinforce chronological understanding by frequently referring back to the timeline.

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This lesson fully addresses the National Curriculum aims for History by focusing on significant events, causes, and consequences of WWI, developing pupils' historical enquiry skills, and promoting chronological awareness — all tailored to the understanding and interests of Year 6 pupils.