We will start a discussion at 1030am on Padlet - padlet.com/jmillican/2aitpkdisjfs
You should be able to log on using your school Google account, but if you have any problems then email me.
The discussion will start in team order based on the scenarios below. I understand you don't have a solid background in WWI, but I want you to think creatively based on the knowledge at your disposal. You can also ask 3 clarifying questions before you present your scenarios.
Negative points will be assessed in the opening phase for "blurting" out of turn and in the open discussion for off-topic remarks.
Team 1 (from Classcraft) - You are discussing from an Austrian perspective. You declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914 and then her ally Russia on August 6, 1914. Serbia met all your demands except one. The fear is that if you are not the first to move troops then you will lose. You are also fearful of the Serbians that live within your own borders. What can your government do to avert war on August 7?
Team 2 (from Classcraft) - You are discussing from a German perspective. You declared war on Russia on August 1, 1914 and France on August 3, 1914. Your Schlieffen Plan has been designed to attack through neutral Belgium and Holland (without a declaration of war) to reach Paris, France. Justify your actions to the British government so they don't enter the war.
Team 3 (from Classcraft) - You are discussing from a Russian perspective. Your army is woefully unprepared to fight a war and your citizens are close to rebelling. How can you avoid war, but still save face? Serbia is your ally and Austria-Hungary is invading that nation, while Germany has declared war on your own nation. What is your plan?
Team 4 (from Classcraft) - You are discussing from a British perspective. Germany has built up her navy to rival your own. You are not particularly fond of the French, nor the Russians for that matter. However, you are aware of the Schlieffen Plan to invade Belgium, a country who's neutrality you have upheld since 1839. Can you avoid war with Germany? What will you do?
Team 5 (from Classcraft) - You are discussing from an Italian perspective. You have wisely not joined in the initial declarations of war in August of 1914. It is now October 1914 and all of the armies are stuck in trenches and not moving. Do you join the war? On whose side? Do you try to get the countries to sue for peace? Under what conditions? What will you do?
Again, once all the groups have gone, padlet will be open for general discussion, observation, or questions that you might have.