Introduction: World War 1

Today's class will be a general overview of WWI, beginning with the causes of one of the most devastating conflicts fought in the 20th century. In order to prepare yourself for today's class, it is important to preview Ch. 2 in your Horizons text, which will give you an overview of our next unit.

WWI took place started in 1914 and ended on November 11, 1918 (Remembrance Day). This war was originally thought to be a short war that would "be over by Christmas". No one envisioned the terrible battles that would be fought from the trenches, or the endless insanity that characterizes wars of attrition.

By the end of today's classes, you should have a general understanding of the causes of WWI, as well as a familiarity with "the Balkan issue". You should understand Canada's response to the outbreak of war, as well as strategic battle plans such as the Schlieffen Plan.

Day's Activities:

1. Hand in assignments - Turn of the Century Assignments

2. Preview WWI - large handout

3. Break up into groups - freeze scene rehearsal

4. Presentations of freeze scenes

5. Homework - reading questions from handout, text.