The oldest students spent three months studying the causes and effects of World War 1. The causes were complex. Students looked at world maps showing imperialism around the world prior to the war. Having identified the colonialists gave meaning to the complicated alliances that were formed prior to the war. This led to an examination of a map of Europe prior to the war. Students studied a political cartoon which brilliantly illustrated the powder keg that was about to explode.

For many weeks students were assigned to read chapters in Russell Freedman’s The War to End all Wars. From the reading students had to develop two discussion questions for upcoming classes. Each class allowed for a rich, and free-flowing discussion, as students shared and answered each other’s questions. To compliment their readings, students were assigned to write four entries to add to our year long project – a time line from 1850 to 1950.  Other resources used in this class were YouTube videos explaining the impact of battles on the western and eastern front. Students also studied the WW1 poetry of Wilfred Own, August Stramm, Margaret Postgate, John McCrae, and e.e. cummings. Over time students began to grasp the causes of the war. To complete the unit students were assigned to write a two page essay:Was WW1 inevitable or necessary?

or necessary?