a conflict in which the countries involved are willing to make any sacrifices to achieve victory

an empire is a group of countries or provinces ruled from the country by one person or a group of people

relating to a country or area under the control of another country and occupied by settlers from that country

Home Rule is when a country is given some independence, usually in the form of their own government

The impact of WWI across the Empire

History

In this unit, pupils explore how World War One's total impact extended across the British Empire, affecting various communities. This sets the stage for the next unit, ‘WW2: which events turned the tide in the story of the Second World War?’, where pupils will build on their understanding of global conflict to analyse key events that shifted the course of World War Two.

In ‘The British Empire: how far was it transformed in the mid-nineteenth century?’, pupils explored the empire’s growth and industrial changes. This unit builds on that by examining how World War One affected people across the British Empire, focusing on the extent of its impact on various communities.

In this unit, pupils learn about the First World War through the lens of its imperial dimension. They analyse the reasons for the outbreak of war and assess how it affected Britain at home and abroad.

World War One: how 'total' was it for people in the British Empire?

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

How many British men fought for Britain in the First World War?

How many East African civilians were killed as a result of the First World War?

What term best describes a war in which countries devote all their power and resources to winning the war, with consequences that impact a large number of people in a variety of ways

1.5 million Indian troops are called to support Britain 

the British government agree to grant Irish Home Rule

women over 30 with a certain amount of property get the vote

105 000 colonial troops have lost their lives in East Africa

Ireland is partitioned, Northern Ireland gains Home Rule

The First World War had a permanent impact

The First World War had a significant impact

The First World War had a revolutionary impact

The First World War had a devastating impact

Which **one** of the follow phrases suggests that the First World War had a destructive/damaging impact?

When did all women get the right to vote, on an equal basis to men?

a group of countries ruled by one person or group of people

a country or area under the control of another country

when a country is given some independence

Match each key word to the correct definition

Ireland becomes part of the United Kingdom

the British government agree to grant Ireland Home Rule

millions of women join the workforce to support the war effort

women over 30, with a certain amount of property, are given the right to vote

Ireland is partitioned in to Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State

Starting with the earliest, sort the following events into the order in which they happened.

Which British colony provided 1.5 million troops to support Britain in the First World War?

Which European country was the first to have their colonies attacked when war broke out?

All civilians were called to fight in the First World War

Some battles took place in towns and villages where people lived

Many people were expected to support the war effort from home, or through work

All battles took place in towns and villages where people lived

Civilians were not impacted by the First World War

Which **two** of the following statements best explains why the First World War impacted civilians?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The impact of WWI across the Empire

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.