Unveiling the Complexities of WWI: A Deep Dive into the M.A.I.N. Causes

Unravel the tangled web of factors that ignited the Great War with this engaging reading comprehension worksheet.

Explore the M.A.I.N. causes:

• Militarism: Witness the arms race that fueled suspicion, fear, and a belief in war's inevitability.
• Alliances: Analyze the intricate network of agreements that transformed a local conflict into a full-blown European war.
• Imperialism: Discover how competition for colonies and resources created economic and territorial rivalries.
• Nationalism: Examine the powerful force of national pride that fueled territorial ambitions and a willingness to fight.

Dive deeper with:

• Primary Source Analysis: A captivating excerpt from Kaiser Wilhelm II's speech sheds light on the role of militarism and nationalism.
• Critical Thinking Questions: Multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer challenges solidify understanding.
• Clear Answer Key: Ensures a smooth learning experience for both teachers and students.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the interconnected causes of WWI and their contribution to the outbreak of war.
• Understand the domino effect of alliances and its role in escalating the conflict.
• Evaluate the complex relationship between nationalism and the willingness to engage in war.

Common Core State Standards Addressed:

• RI.6.1, RI.7.1, RI.8.1, RI.9-10.1, RI.11-12.1: Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and draw inferences from the text.
• RI.6.2, RI.7.2, RI.8.2, RI.9-10.2, RI.11-12.2: Determine the central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
• RI.6.3, RI.7.3, RI.8.3, RI.9-10.3, RI.11-12.3: Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of the text.
• W.6.2, W.7.2, W.8.2, W.9-10.2, W.11-12.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately.

Why Choose This Resource?

• Ready-to-use: A comprehensive and engaging addition to your World War I unit, perfect for fostering critical thinking and historical analysis.
• Unveils Complexities: Goes beyond surface-level explanations, encouraging students to delve into the interconnectedness of the M.A.I.N. causes.
• Primary Source Integration: Provides a firsthand perspective, enriching the learning experience.
• Standards-Aligned: Directly addresses key reading comprehension and critical thinking skills outlined in the Common Core State Standards.

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