Activity Overview
While studying WWI, it's essential for students to understand how events unfolded and connected. Because there were several countries involved and several theaters of war, it can be overwhelming to examine every single event that occurred. In this activity, students will create a timeline of at least 5 major events between 1914 and 1921. They should be sure to analyze how each event affected the course of World War 1.
Teachers can pre-select the events they would like students to include into the timeline, or students can choose their own. In order for students to thrive in this assignment, they should be encouraged to research ten events, and select the five that they found to be the most interesting.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options, and update the instructions accordingly.
Significant Events in World War I
- Battle of Verdun
- First zeppelin raid on England
- Germany declares war on France and Russia
- Japan declares war on Germany
- First use of mustard gas
- Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
- Attack on the Lusitania
- Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated
- United States enters the War
- Germany defeats Russia at the Battle Of Tannenberg
- Beginning of trench warfare on the Western Front
- German troops enter Belgium (Schleiffen Plan)
- Gallipoli Offensive
- Germany begins naval blockade of Great Britain
- First Battle Of The Marne
- President Woodrow Wilson’s 14 Points
- Russia signs the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany.
- American women recruited to serve as bilingual telephone operators for the AEF arrive in Europe.
- United States forces are victorious in the Battle of Cantigny, the first independent American operation.
- Treaty of Versailles takes effect.
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 timeline of at least 5 major events in World War I.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify each event in the title boxes.
- Write a short summary of each in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration that represents each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
Activity Overview
While studying WWI, it's essential for students to understand how events unfolded and connected. Because there were several countries involved and several theaters of war, it can be overwhelming to examine every single event that occurred. In this activity, students will create a timeline of at least 5 major events between 1914 and 1921. They should be sure to analyze how each event affected the course of World War 1.
Teachers can pre-select the events they would like students to include into the timeline, or students can choose their own. In order for students to thrive in this assignment, they should be encouraged to research ten events, and select the five that they found to be the most interesting.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options, and update the instructions accordingly.
Significant Events in World War I
- Battle of Verdun
- First zeppelin raid on England
- Germany declares war on France and Russia
- Japan declares war on Germany
- First use of mustard gas
- Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
- Attack on the Lusitania
- Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated
- United States enters the War
- Germany defeats Russia at the Battle Of Tannenberg
- Beginning of trench warfare on the Western Front
- German troops enter Belgium (Schleiffen Plan)
- Gallipoli Offensive
- Germany begins naval blockade of Great Britain
- First Battle Of The Marne
- President Woodrow Wilson’s 14 Points
- Russia signs the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany.
- American women recruited to serve as bilingual telephone operators for the AEF arrive in Europe.
- United States forces are victorious in the Battle of Cantigny, the first independent American operation.
- Treaty of Versailles takes effect.
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 timeline of at least 5 major events in World War I.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify each event in the title boxes.
- Write a short summary of each in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration that represents each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
How Tos about Timeline of Major Events in WWI
How to Facilitate a WWI Timeline Gallery Walk for Deeper Engagement
Set up timeline posters around the classroom. Arrange student-created timelines on walls or desks to create an interactive gallery feel.
Guide students to rotate and observe each timeline
Have students move in small groups to examine each timeline, ensuring they spend time reading event summaries and illustrations.
Prompt students to leave feedback or questions
Provide sticky notes so students can write thoughtful comments or questions and place them on timelines, encouraging peer-to-peer learning.
Lead a class discussion to connect key events
Facilitate a conversation about patterns, causes, and effects noticed during the walk, helping students connect individual events to the broader context of WWI.
Frequently Asked Questions about Timeline of Major Events in WWI
What are the most important events to include in a World War I timeline for students?
Some key events to feature in a World War I timeline include the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the beginning of trench warfare, the Battle of Verdun, the United States entering the war, and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. Including these helps students understand the war’s progression and global impact.
How can I help students analyze the impact of each WWI event on the war's outcome?
Encourage students to research each event and discuss how it influenced the war’s direction or outcome. Ask guiding questions like, “What changed as a result of this event?” or “How did countries respond after this happened?” This approach builds critical thinking skills.
What is an easy classroom activity for teaching about major WWI events?
Having students create a timeline or timeline poster is a simple and effective classroom activity. Students can choose or be assigned major WWI events, write summaries, and add illustrations to visually connect the events and their significance.
How many major events should a student include in a World War I timeline assignment?
Students should typically include at least 5 major events in their WWI timeline, as recommended in many assignments. This number allows for depth without overwhelming students and encourages thoughtful selection and analysis.
What are some creative alternatives to a traditional WWI timeline activity?
Try having students make a timeline poster for a gallery walk, use digital timeline tools, or create comic strips illustrating key moments. Adding multiple templates or formats increases student engagement and learning.
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