First World War - The Arms Race

What caused the First World War? 6 lesson pack (PPT & Worksheet)

This complete KS3 unit takes students on a clear, engaging journey through the long‑term and short‑term causes of the First World War. Across six high‑impact lessons, pupils explore the shifting power balance of Europe, the alliance system, the naval arms race, the assassination at Sarajevo, the July Crisis, and finally construct a balanced enquiry essay answering the big question: **What caused the First World War?** Each lesson is designed for smooth delivery, strong historical thinking, and maximum classroom impact — with structured tasks, paired discussion, and ready‑to‑use worksheets included throughout. --- **What’s Included in the Bundle** - **Six_fully_resourced_lessons** covering long‑term and short‑term causes - **In‑lesson_tasks** that build knowledge and analytical skills - **Peer_talking_opportunities** to deepen understanding - **Worksheets_included** for every lesson --- **Why Teachers Love This Unit** A crisp, well‑structured scheme that makes a complex topic accessible and enjoyable to teach. Each lesson builds logically to the next, supporting students to move from secure knowledge to confident causal explanation. Perfect for KS3 History, enquiry‑based learning, and preparing pupils for extended writing.