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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. WWI was a war that took place between 1914 to 1918 and involved countries from across the globe.
  2. It was the biggest war that had ever been fought at the time which is why it was called the Great War.
  3. Old treaties meant that many different countries were pulled into the war at the same time.
  4. Soldiers from the British Empire fought during the Great War against Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire.
  5. Much of the fighting that British and imperial troops were involved in took place in Belgium and France.

Keywords

  • Globe - the globe refers to the whole world

  • Allies - countries who support each other during war are known as allies

  • Treaty - a treaty is a formal agreement of support between two or more countries

  • Imperial - imperial refers to things or people which were part of the British Empire

Common misconception

Children may think that the word 'Great' when referring to WWI may mean that the war was a great idea.

To remind pupils that 'Great' in this context refers to the both the size and scale of the war.

This unit is designed to support a local history project. Whilst this lesson gives general information about WWI, you will need to find out about WWI in your local area. Share this with the children so they can start to ask their family or local community members WWI history.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
What does the word 'war' mean?
Correct answer: Conflict between two or more countries
When countries are cross with one another
A verbal disagreement
When countries want different things
Q2.
Which sentence describes a world war?
Correct answer: A war involving many countries
A war between the world and another planet
Correct answer: A war fought across continents
Correct answer: A war which affected many people across the world
A war that only involves one country
Q3.
Britain was involved in World War One.
Correct answer: true
false
Q4.
In Britain, how do we remember those who lost their lives in war?
Correct answer: Remembrance Day
Correct answer: special church services
Correct answer: special assemblies at school
Correct answer: wearing a poppy
holding parties
Q5.
Why are some historical events more significant than others?
Correct answer: they affected a lot of people at the time
because they have a special day to remember the event
Correct answer: they caused a change in how we live
the Prime Minister has agreed that they are significant
Correct answer: they were important to people at the time
Q6.
How could you find out about the history of your local area?
Correct answer: ask family
Correct answer: visit the library
Correct answer: research using the internet
Correct answer: visit a local church
Correct answer: visit local museums

6 Questions

Q1.
How many years did World War One last for?
Ten years
Fourteen years
Eighteen years
Correct answer: Four years
Q2.
The word 'treaty' means which of the following?
someone who gives a lot of treats
a country which has been invaded by another country
Correct answer: a formal agreement of support between countries
something soldiers dug to protect themselves from the enemy
Q3.
Soldiers who fought for the British Empire came from countries all over the world.
Correct answer: true
false
Q4.
Germany, Austria-Hungary and their allies were known as the...?
Correct Answer: Triple-Alliance , The Triple-Alliance , triple alliance, Triple Alliance, the triple alliance
Q5.
Great Britain, France and Russia were known as the...
Correct Answer: Triple Entente, Entente, The Triple Entente, triple entente, the triple entente
Q6.
Why was World War One referred to as the 'Great War'?
Correct answer: it affected people all over the world
Correct answer: it was the biggest war to be fought at the time
everybody thought it was great

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