World War I - Empires Collide

Next year marks a number of significant, albeit horrific, milestones in the history of mankind. On April 25, Australians will observe the 90th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli, Turkey by what were to become known as the Anzacs. It was to be one of the bloodiest chapters in this nation's history. Next year also marks the 60th anniversary of the end of World War Two.

World War I was the first major international conflict of the 20th century, a conflict so much bigger than any before that at the time it was simply known as The Great War.

In many ways it marked the end of an era and the beginning of one of the bloodiest periods of human history. While 1914 marked the beginning of the conflict and 1918 the end, the war had its origins decades before and in some ways was only resolved by World War II

Learning looks at the origins of some of these major conflicts, the lessons to be learned and questions the relevance of Remembrance Day to today's generation.

Activities

Compare the weapons carried by a soldier in WW1 and soldiers today. Write a product description of one.

Creative use of available materials enabled the sick to be treated in the trenches. Using only the materials in your school bag and desk design 3 tools for specific purposes.

Many technology firsts appeared in this war on land and in the air and sea. Discuss what difference they made to the outcome of the war. Study the developments made to tanks, aircraft or submarines during the war. Collate your findings in the form of diagrams and a flow chart.

Study a variety of history books from the library about the origins of WW1. How do they compare with today's Learning feature? Use this information to prepare an overview for a documentary you want to make for The History Channel.

Write a diary as if you were a soldier in the trenches. Use real names and places to give your diary entries validity.

Describe the emotions of the young men off to war. How would those who volunteered feel in comparison to those who were conscripted? Write 2 poems using these descriptions.

War has so often been glorified, yet the memories of the returned soldiers are far from glorious. They tell of horrific deaths and of those who died in vain. Write a eulogy for the soldiers who never returned from Anzac Cove.

Look at a modern conflict situation featured in The Mercury. Can you see any parallels between WW1 and this conflict? Write a speech from the soldiers of WW1 to the people involved in conflict today.

Many soldiers made life long friends during the war. What factors helped to establish these bonds? Discuss experiences that have caused you to form close relationships with other people.

At times morale could be very low for those at the front. Plan a morale-boosting week. Write a timetable of practical suggestions for soldiers to help with wartime blues. (Remember resources were limited so you need to be inventive.)

Many young men lied about their age to participate and represent their country. What would you say to a young 16-year-old about to enlist? Role-play a variety of scenarios.

Illusions of heroism and death with honour were chief incentives for WW1 volunteers. Find an example and combine this image with your knowledge of persuasive advertising techniques to make your own recruiting posters. These could be for a school event (e.g. sports carnival) or a worthwhile cause (e.g. 40-hour Famine Appeal).

Websites

World War I - Empires Collide

Activities

Websites

ANZAC Day Home Page

Australian War Museum

BBC - History - World War I

War and Anti-war films

First World War.com

Art of the First World War

World War 1 Cartoons