What Started World War I?

Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.

Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.

Objective

I can evaluate the relative importance of the long-term causes of World War I.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

Korczyk's Class · 8:08

We don't generate video — this one is by Korczyk's Class on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    The four MAIN underlying causes of World War I were militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism.

  2. 2

    Due to imperialist desires, Kaiser Wilhelm II oversaw a growing influence of military leaders, such as General von Moltke, who believed war was unavoidable with Russia.

  3. 3

    The Triple Entente was formed in 1907 between France, Britain, and Russia because they were worried about the growing power of Germany and the Triple Alliance.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

8 questions

1

Which of the following was NOT a major underlying cause of World War I, as discussed in the video?

2

Explain how the alliance system in Europe contributed to the outbreak of World War I.

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Based on the video, list the four MAIN causes of World War I. Rank these causes in order of importance, from most important to least important, and briefly explain why you ranked them that way.

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

  • Student Handout

    Printable worksheet

  • Slides

    Ready to present

We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.

Teaching a group at a different level?

Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.

Adapt This Lesson