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Year 6
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Year 6
The Great War
I can explain what World War I was.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- WWI was a war that took place between 1914 to 1918 and involved countries from across the globe.
- It was the biggest war that had ever been fought at the time which is why it was called the Great War.
- Old treaties meant that many different countries were pulled into the war at the same time.
- Soldiers from the British Empire fought during the Great War against Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire.
- 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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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What does the word 'war' mean?
When countries are cross with one another
A verbal disagreement
When countries want different things
Q2.
Which sentence describes a world war?
A war between the world and another planet
A war that only involves one country
Q3.
Britain was involved in World War One.
false
Q4.
In Britain, how do we remember those who lost their lives in war?
holding parties
Q5.
Why are some historical events more significant than others?
because they have a special day to remember the event
the Prime Minister has agreed that they are significant
Q6.
How could you find out about the history of your local area?
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
How many years did World War One last for?
Ten years
Fourteen years
Eighteen 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
something soldiers dug to protect themselves from the enemy
Q3.
Soldiers who fought for the British Empire came from countries all over the world.
false
Q4.
Germany, Austria-Hungary and their allies were known as the...?
Q5.
Great Britain, France and Russia were known as the...
Q6.
Why was World War One referred to as the 'Great War'?
everybody thought it was great
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