Understanding WWII Beginnings

Lesson Overview

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Class size: 20 students
• Year Group: 6
• Unit: Understanding World War II (Lesson 1 of 5)
• Topic: Introduction to World War II
• Curriculum Link: National Curriculum for England, History KS2

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National Curriculum Links

• Pupils should be taught to:

  • "A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066"
  • "the causes and consequences of the Second World War"
  • "understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of sources"
  • "construct informed responses that involve thoughtful selection and organisation of relevant historical information"

• Focus Areas:

  • Cause and effect in history
  • Chronological understanding
  • Understanding historical concepts such as change, cause, and consequence
  • Use of historical sources to construct understanding

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will:

1. Explain the main causes of World War II, with particular focus on the Treaty of Versailles and the rise of totalitarian regimes.
2. Understand and describe the global consequences of the Treaty of Versailles and the political changes that contributed to the outbreak of war.
3. Engage in historical discussion exploring cause and effect linked to global events pre-1939.
4. Develop chronological awareness placing World War II in a broader historical timeline.

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Key Vocabulary

• Treaty of Versailles
• Totalitarianism
• Adolf Hitler
• Benito Mussolini
• Appeasement
• Allies and Axis
• Global conflict
• Consequences

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Resources Needed

• Timeline cards (printed, visuals of key dates/events)
• Britain in 1919-1939 fact sheets (child-friendly)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Large world map or projector
• Sticky notes
• Visual images of Treaty of Versailles delegates, Hitler, Mussolini
• Copies of a simple cause-and-effect worksheet

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity (5 minutes): “What do you know about WWII?”

• Pose open question: “What do you already know about World War II?”
• Students shout out answers; write keywords on whiteboard.
• Purpose: Activate prior knowledge and create interest.

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2. Setting the Scene: Chronology & Treaty of Versailles (10 minutes)

• Show a large visual timeline from end of WWI (1918) to outbreak of WWII (1939).
• Highlight the Treaty of Versailles (1919) — briefly explain its purpose and key terms (such as reparations, territorial losses for Germany).
• Ask: Why do you think it might have made Germany unhappy?
• Use a map to show territorial changes.

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3. Whole-Class Discussion: Rise of Totalitarian Regimes (15 minutes)

• Present short, age-appropriate profiles on Hitler (Germany) and Mussolini (Italy). Focus on their methods to gain power and the idea of totalitarianism (a government with total control).

• Discuss how these regimes used dissatisfaction from the Treaty to influence their countries.

• Use "cause and effect" questions:

  • How did the Treaty of Versailles lead to the rise of leaders like Hitler?
  • What global effect did the rise of these leaders have?

• Encourage students to contribute with ideas, citing evidence from the timeline and profiles.

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4. Paired Activity: Consequences Mapping (10 minutes)

• Give each pair a cause-and-effect worksheet:
  • Left column: Causes (Treaty of Versailles, economic depression, rise of Hitler/Mussolini)
  • Right column: Effects (WWII starts, global alliances formed, impact on countries)
• Students match causes to effects and briefly explain their reasoning on sticky notes.
• Collect sticky notes for a quick share out.

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5. Plenary: Reflection & Global Impact Question (5 minutes)

• Whole class discussion with prompt:
  “Why was World War II a global conflict and not just a fight between a few countries?”
• Link back to the rise of aggressive regimes and the worldwide impact of treaties and alliances.
• Teacher records key points on the board, consolidating learning.

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Assessment & Feedback

• Formative assessment:

  • Observing participation in discussions.
  • Reviewing paired activity sticky notes to check understanding of cause and effect.

• Exit Question:

  • On a small piece of paper, each pupil writes one cause of WWII and one global consequence learned today.
  • Collect to evaluate understanding and inform next lesson.

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Differentiation

• Support:
  • Provide pre-highlighted key texts for lower-ability pupils.
  • Use visuals and timelines for concrete understanding.
• Challenge:
  • Encourage more able students to explain links beyond immediate causes, e.g., economic factors.
  • Ask them to consider alternative outcomes if the Treaty had been different.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• Geography: Use of maps to understand changing borders.
• English: Developing discussion skills and factual writing.

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Teacher Notes / Tips

• Maintain a strong narrative linking WWI aftermath to WWII to help pupils grasp the continuity in history.
• Engage through visual timelines and contrasting images to bring abstract political ideas (like ‘totalitarianism’) to life.
• Encourage historical empathy: How would young people in Germany feel after 1919?
• Use questioning to scaffold critical thinking about causes and global effects.

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This lesson sets the foundation for deeper investigation into World War II causes and consequences in subsequent lessons, fully aligning with the National Curriculum KS2 History expectations.