Imperialism and Rivalries

Grade Level

9th Grade

Duration

60 minutes

Class Size

25 Students

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Analyze the concept of imperialism and its role in shaping global relations prior to World War 1.
• Evaluate the competition for colonies among imperial powers and how it contributed to international tensions.
• Collaborate in a jigsaw activity, effectively researching, synthesizing, and sharing information about different imperial powers and their colonies.
• Reflect critically on the ways imperialism heightened tensions leading to World War 1.

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Common Core State Standards Alignment

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.1
  Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2
  Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of how key events or ideas develop.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1
  Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.4
  Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

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Materials Needed

• Jigsaw research packets (pre-assigned by imperial power: British Empire, French Empire, German Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Ottoman Empire)
• Chart paper and markers
• Sticky notes
• Primary and secondary source excerpts relevant to each empire’s colonies and imperial ambitions
• Reflection worksheet template
• Room setup to facilitate gallery walk (stations for each group)

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Lesson Procedure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Hook: Show a world map circa early 1900s with colonial empires color-coded and ask students what they notice about the distribution of power and colonies.
• Briefly discuss what imperialism meant historically and its economic, political, and military motivations. Highlight how these motives created competition.
• State the lesson goal: To understand how imperial competition heightened tensions leading to WW1.

Teacher prompt:
"How might controlling colonies far from home create competition or conflict between countries?"

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2. Jigsaw Activity: Research & Discussion (30 minutes)

Step 1: Group Assignment (5 minutes)

• Divide the class into 5 “home” groups (5 students each).
• Assign each student within the home group to become an expert on one imperial power by joining a different “expert” group (British, French, German, Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman).

Step 2: Expert Group Research (15 minutes)

• In expert groups, students:
  • Read their provided source excerpts and packets.
  • Identify key colonies and their strategic or economic importance.
  • Note conflicts or competition faced by their empire.
  • Prepare a 3-4 minute summary to share with their home group.

Step 3: Return to Home Groups to Teach (10 minutes)

• Experts report back to their original home groups and teach their peers about their assigned empire’s colonies and competing interests.
• Home group members ask questions, discuss similarities and differences across empires.
• Each home group synthesizes main points to present during the gallery walk.

Assessment for this part is based on students demonstrating effective collaborative discussion and accurate information sharing (CCSS.SL.9-10.1).

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3. Gallery Walk Presentations (10 minutes)

• Arrange chart papers from home groups around the room for a gallery walk.
• Each group presents their synthesized understanding of imperial rivalries and the impact on global tensions.
• Peers use sticky notes to post two positive observations and one question for each group’s poster.

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4. Reflection (10 minutes)

• Students complete a reflection worksheet responding to:

  • In what ways did imperial competition increase tensions among countries before WW1?
  • What might have happened differently if imperialism wasn’t such a major factor?

• Collect worksheets to assess students’ ability to write coherent, analytical reflections (aligned with CCSS.WHST.9-10.4).

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Formative Assessment

• Teacher observes group discussions during jigsaw for engagement and use of evidence (CCSS.RH.9-10.1).
• Collect reflection worksheets to evaluate depth of understanding.
• Analyze sticky note comments from gallery walk to assess peer-to-peer engagement and critical thinking.

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Differentiation & Support

• Provide scaffolding texts and graphic organizers for students who need assistance with complex historical vocabulary or concepts.
• Allow use of digital timers to help groups manage their time efficiently during jigsaw phases.
• Encourage students to use note-taking strategies to organize information from multiple sources.

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Extensions / Homework

• Assign students to begin researching ONE specific imperial conflict (e.g., Moroccan Crises) to prepare for the final lesson on triggers of WW1.
• Suggest students compare imperialism with modern geopolitical conflicts in a short essay for cross-curricular writing practice.

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This lesson combines rigorous analysis, cooperative learning, and reflective writing, fully aligned with the Common Core State Standards and designed to deepen students' understanding of imperialism's role in the outbreak of World War 1.