Activity Overview
When studying history, especially wars, it's helpful for students to understand the people who were involved. For this activity, students will create a storyboard that highlights three significant figures that lived during the World War I era. These individuals can range from leaders of governments, militaries, individuals with prominent roles in society, or people who contributed to the war or world during this time period.
Significant People in WWI
- David Lloyd George
- Prince Max von Baden
- Tsar Nicholas II
- Woodrow Wilson
- Herbert Asquith
- Winston Churchill
- Constantine I
- Sir Christopher Cradock
- Paul von Hindenburg
- John J. Pershing
- Erich Ludendorff
- Archduke Franz Ferdinand
- Maximilian von Prittwitz
- Gavrilo Princip
- Paul von Rennenkampf
- Radomir Putnik
- Alexander Samsonov
- Edith Cavell
- Evelina Haverfield
- The "Hello Girls"
- Wilhelm Souchon
- Arthur Zimmermann
- Mildred Aldrich
- Edith Wharton
- Julia Hunt
- Catlin Taufflieb
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that highlights three figures from WWI and their contributions to the war.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify each person in the title boxes.
- Write a short bio of each in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration that represents each person using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
When studying history, especially wars, it's helpful for students to understand the people who were involved. For this activity, students will create a storyboard that highlights three significant figures that lived during the World War I era. These individuals can range from leaders of governments, militaries, individuals with prominent roles in society, or people who contributed to the war or world during this time period.
Significant People in WWI
- David Lloyd George
- Prince Max von Baden
- Tsar Nicholas II
- Woodrow Wilson
- Herbert Asquith
- Winston Churchill
- Constantine I
- Sir Christopher Cradock
- Paul von Hindenburg
- John J. Pershing
- Erich Ludendorff
- Archduke Franz Ferdinand
- Maximilian von Prittwitz
- Gavrilo Princip
- Paul von Rennenkampf
- Radomir Putnik
- Alexander Samsonov
- Edith Cavell
- Evelina Haverfield
- The "Hello Girls"
- Wilhelm Souchon
- Arthur Zimmermann
- Mildred Aldrich
- Edith Wharton
- Julia Hunt
- Catlin Taufflieb
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that highlights three figures from WWI and their contributions to the war.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify each person in the title boxes.
- Write a short bio of each in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration that represents each person using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Significant People in WWI
Engage students with a role-play activity featuring WWI figures
Role-play helps students empathize with historical figures by putting themselves in their shoes. This interactive method deepens understanding and makes learning about WWI more memorable for every student.
Select three significant WWI figures for your class activity
Choose three people from the provided list who had varied roles or perspectives during World War I. Diversity in selection encourages students to explore different viewpoints and contributions.
Assign students to research and prepare character roles
Have students research their assigned figure using books, articles, or online resources. They should prepare a brief background and key facts to portray their character accurately during the activity.
Guide students to write and practice short role-play scripts
Ask each student to write a short script introducing themselves as their character. Encourage creative touches—like accents or props—to make their portrayal engaging and authentic.
Facilitate the classroom role-play and reflective discussion
Let students present their characters to the class. Afterward, lead a discussion about what they learned and how these figures influenced or experienced WWI. Reflection helps solidify historical understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Significant People in WWI
Who were the most significant people in World War I?
Significant people in World War I included leaders like David Lloyd George, Woodrow Wilson, Tsar Nicholas II, military figures such as John J. Pershing and Paul von Hindenburg, and influential civilians like Edith Cavell and The "Hello Girls". These individuals played key roles in shaping the war's outcomes and legacy.
What is a simple classroom activity to teach students about important WWI figures?
A great activity is to have students create a spider map or storyboard highlighting three significant people from World War I, including a short bio and an illustration for each. This encourages research, creativity, and deeper understanding of each person's contributions.
How can I help students understand the contributions of different people in WWI?
Ask students to choose three figures from World War I and research their backgrounds, roles, and impact. They can present their findings visually with a spider map or storyboard, making the learning process interactive and memorable.
Can you give examples of women who played significant roles in World War I?
Yes, notable women in World War I include Edith Cavell, a British nurse; Evelina Haverfield, a suffragist and aid worker; The "Hello Girls", female switchboard operators; Mildred Aldrich and Edith Wharton, both writers and activists. These women contributed to the war effort in various vital ways.
Why is it important for students to learn about individual people in WWI?
Learning about individuals in World War I helps students connect personally with history, see the human impact of global events, and understand how diverse contributions shaped the war and its outcomes.
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