Instructional Video

Who Started World War I: Crash Course World History

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

World War I was one of the more complicated and complex conflicts of the twentieth century—but who started it? High schoolers watch a video from Crash Course World History ponders whether Germany, Austria, or Russia were to blame for starting the First World War.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Prompt learners to write an argument paper about which country they believe had more to do with starting World War I, based on this video as well as additional research
  • Encourage class members to watch the video before attending a discussion on World War I the next day
  • Incorporate into a unit on geopolitics, particularly concerning Eastern Europe and Russia
Classroom Considerations
  • Narration moves quickly through complex concepts
  • Comment section is open to the public
  • This video is hosted on YouTube
Pros
  • Engaging and informative
  • Considers the main question in the video title as a guiding concept 
Cons
  • None