This unit is a historical investigation from Paper 2 and it covers the causes and origins of the First World War as well as the major battles, the different theatres of war and the reasons for the Germany defeat. Areas of study include:

  1. The Alliance System and International Rivalry
  2. The Growth of Tension in Europe
  3. The Struggle over the Balkans and Outbreak of War
  4. The Schlieffen Plan & Deadlock on the Western Front
  5. The War at Sea and Gallipoli Campaign
  6. The Defeat of Germany 
     
As this unit is a historical investigation, it will be assessed in the exam through three source based questions which will require good source analysis and evaluation skills as well as a detailed knowledge of the period:
 


  • Question (a) will focus on source comprehension and interpretation skills and is worth three marks. You will be expected to make one or more supported inferences from a source of evidence.
  • Question (b) will focus on your corroboration skills and how well you can cross-reference two sources in order to support or challenge a statement. It is worth seven marks.
  • Question (c) is an essay question and will focus on your ability to evaluate a historical claim by using evidence and your own knowledge. It is worth 15 marks.

CrashCourse History: The First World War

This excellent video provides an overview of World War One from its long and short-term causes, to the changing nature of warfare, conditions for soldiers and the consequences of the war.