Germany before the First World War
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe how Germany was governed before the First World War.
Key learning points
- Germany was unified in 1871 through war, nationalism and Prussian leadership.
- Militarism shaped German society, values and leadership at every level.
- Germany’s government was dominated by the Kaiser, his Chancellor and elite advisors - not by parliament.
- Kaiser Wilhelm II aimed to expand Germany’s power and ruled in an authoritarian, top-down style.
- Rising democratic participation clashed with elite rule, causing growing tension by 1914.
Keywords
Unification - the process of bringing separate states together into a single, united country
Nationalism - the belief that people who share the same language, culture, history or ethnicity should unite in one country; many believe this would create greater unity, strength and harmony within the nation
Chancellor - the head of government in Germany, appointed by the Kaiser; similar to a Prime Minister but not elected
Militarism - the belief that a strong military and military values should dominate society and government
Reichstag - the national parliament of Germany where elected politicians debated laws, but had limited power to control government decisions
Common misconception
Germany has always existed as one country, or has existed in its current form for a long time.
Before 1871, 'Germany' did not exist as a single nation. It was a collection of over 30 independent, mostly German-speaking states, each with its own ruler.
Teacher tip
War map activity: Use a blank map of Europe. As you trace each war (against Denmark, Austria, and France), ask pupils to shade in alliances, mark the states that joined Germany, and note areas where support for unification grew after each victory.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What major global event began in 1914 and had a huge impact on Germany?
Q2.What was the name of the democratic government that took over in Germany after World War I?
Q3. Hitler became the leader of Germany in 1933.
Q4.Which political party did Hitler lead?
Q5.What major event began in 1939 and involved Germany invading other countries?
Q6.Match each event to the correct year.
1918
1919
1933
1945
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why did other European countries feel threatened by German unification?
Q2.Match each term to its correct definition.
the head of government in Germany
belief that people with a shared identity should unite in one country
the process of bringing separate states together into a united country
Q3. is the belief that strong armies and military values should dominate society and government.
Q4.Which of the following statements about democratic change in Germany before 1914 are true?
Q5.What was the main limitation of the Reichstag in the German Empire?
Q6.Which of the following statements best explains Germany’s status before 1871?
To help you plan your 11 history lesson on: Germany before the First World War, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 history lesson on: Germany before the First World War, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Germany 1890–1945, Democracy and dictatorship unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.