Fascinating Fact:
The First World War began in 1914 and ended in 1918, after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand helped trigger a crisis between rival powers.
In KS3 History, pupils study how the First World War grew from a local crisis into a global conflict. Alliances, empire, and rising tension in Europe meant that once Austria-Hungary and Serbia clashed, other powers were quickly drawn in. Learning about causes, trenches, and the armistice helps students understand how this war reshaped borders, societies, and later events in the twentieth century.
Key Terms
- Alliance: An agreement between countries to support one another, especially in times of war.
- Trench warfare: A way of fighting where soldiers live and battle from long, dug-out ditches in the ground.
- Armistice: An agreement to stop fighting, usually before peace terms are fully decided.
Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)
What were the main causes of the First World War?
The main causes included rival alliances, competition between empires, an arms race, and growing nationalism. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 then set off the crisis.
Which countries were on each side during the First World War?
The Allies eventually included Britain, France, Russia, Italy, the United States, and others. The Central Powers were mainly Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.
What was life like for soldiers in the trenches?
Life in the trenches was muddy, crowded, and dangerous. Soldiers faced shells, machine-gun fire, cold weather, rats, disease, and long periods of boredom between major attacks.
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