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

a colony is a country or area under the control of another country and occupied by settlers from that country

a siege is a military operation in which an army forces an area to surrender by cutting of access to essential supplies

The First World War in the colonies

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?

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

What was the name of the first German colony to surrender to British forces?

How many days after Britain declared war on Germany did British forces invade German Togoland?

Which country led the siege of Tsingtao, in support of the British army?

Many European countries had built empires across South America, Africa and Asia.

The 'July Crisis' means Russia, Germany, France and Britain join the war.

The Gold Coast Regiment, a British colonial army, invades German Togoland.

Japanese forces lead the siege of Tsingtao.

The East African campaign ends, with 300 000 civilian deaths.

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

European countries wanted to weaken their opponents by attacking their colonies.

European countries did not want to fight in Europe.

Colonies were not targeted in the First World War.

Which **one** of the following statements is the best explanation for why European colonies were targeted in the First World War?

The battle conditions were different from those of the Western Front.

The battles were much less brutal than those of the Western Front.

The high proportion of losses were similar to those of the Western Front.

The battle conditions were very similar to the Western Front.

We do not know much about the East African Campaign.

Which **two** of the following statements best describe the East Africa Campaign from 1914 to 1918?

a country or area under the control of another country

a group of countries or provinces ruled from another country

Which **one** of the following is the best definition of 'empire'?

What term best describes a country that is under the control of another country, and often occupied by settlers from that country?

Which **one** of the following countries was an ally of Britain in the First World War?

many European countries had built empires across South America, Africa and Asia

Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated

Russia, Germany and France all declare war in July

European nations begin to recruit soldiers from their colonies

Which **one** of the following countries failed to carry out its Schlieffen Plan, triggering British entry into the First World War?

Lots of people around the world heard about the war.

Every single country was involved in the war.

The war involved and impacted a large number of people all around the world.

Millions of Europeans died as a result of the war.

Which **one** of the following statements best explains why the conflict of 1914-1918 became known as a world war?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

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

The First World War in the colonies

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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