KS3 History: First World War - Why did so many men enlist for the army in 1914? Propaganda

In this lesson, students will be able to understand and explain the many and varies reasons why so many men voluntarily enlisted in into the British army at the start of the First World War. For example, students will learn about aspects such as propaganda, censorship, patriotism, the role of the British government, the formation of Pals Battalions, the White Feather Campaign and more.

This is a fully resources lesson which includes a warmup, starter task, engaging background information, various learning activities, challenge tasks and learning reviews.

The lesson includes the following:
Slide 1: Title slide
Slide 2: Outline of the main lesson aims
Slide 3: As you come in warmup activity – Why might young people today want to join the armed forces?
Slide 4: Previous Learning Recap – order the events
Slide 5: Previous Learning Recap – multiple choice quiz
Slide 6: Starter Task – Activity and discussion based on persuasion techniques.
Slide 7: Background information about the start of the First World War.
Side 8: Background information about the role of the British government, propaganda and censorship.
Slide 9: Background information about the creation of the Pals Battalions.
Slide 10: Useful Clips – three links to video clips covering topics from the lesson.
Slide 11-15: Activity 1: Using first-hand accounts (sources) to understand why men enlisted in 1914. Includes a practice source to do as a class and a printable table for students to record their ideas.
Slide 16-17: Activity 2: ‘Meet Wilf’ – A focus on the life of one recruit and his life in 1914. Why would Wilf want to enlist?
Slide 18: Activity 3: Why did men enlist diagram and instructions.
Slide 19: Follow Up Challenge Questions
Slide 20: Extended writing opportunities
Slide 21: Learning Review Picture Quiz

I would be really grateful if you could leave a review for the lesson if you feel the lesson is effective for you. Many thanks if you spend some of your valuable time doing this and your feedback is highly valued.

All images used in this lesson are in the public domain and are therefore copyright free at the time of publishing. Images which require attribution have been attributed in the notes section of each slide where the image appears. If you feel any errors have been made, please contact me at raschoolresources@gmail.com in the first instance to resolve any issues. My lessons are completed using PowerPoint and designed on widescreen formatting. Thank you.