As with many wars, there is not one singular cause of World War II. In this activity, students will select on possible cause for the war and create a spider map outlining and defining the 5Ws to explain one cause of World War II. Students should include a written description that describes the background information along with a visual representation.
Teachers can pre-select possible reasons or have students complete research to determine which reason they would like to examine.
Possible Reasons for Students to Use:
For this extended activity, the class can debate “What was the most significant factor that lead to World War II?” Using their created storyboards, students should make their claim as to what reason they found to be most significant and use at least three central reasons why they believe it was the most significant. For more advanced classes, allow students to provide rebuttals or counter arguments to dispel the arguments of their peers.
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Student Instructions
Create a 5W analysis of one cause of World War II: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
Engage students by setting up a gallery walk where students display their 5Ws spider maps around the room. This collaborative activity allows everyone to see different perspectives on the causes of World War II while encouraging peer feedback and discussion.
Select wall space or arrange desks/tables so each student or group can showcase their spider map. Ensuring visibility makes it easier for all students to participate and helps create a focused, respectful environment for sharing.
Hand out sticky notes or prepared feedback forms to each student. Encouraging written comments helps students practice constructive feedback and deepens their understanding of the material by reflecting on others' work.
Explain the process before beginning: students rotate through the displays, read each map, and leave at least one positive or thoughtful comment per map. This structure ensures everyone participates respectfully and maximizes learning from peers.
Gather students to share observations about the different causes and 5Ws they saw. Discussing patterns or surprises helps reinforce key concepts and encourages critical thinking about the multiple causes of World War II.
The 5 Ws—Who, What, When, Where, and Why—help students break down and understand the causes of World War II by asking who was involved, what happened, when and where events occurred, and why they mattered. This method encourages critical thinking and structured analysis.
Guide students to pick a cause (like the Treaty of Versailles), then create a spider map with sections for Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Students add descriptions and visuals for each W, helping them organize and visualize information effectively.
Common causes of World War II for a 5Ws activity include: the Treaty of Versailles, the rise of fascism, the policy of appeasement, and the failure of the League of Nations. Teachers can assign these or let students choose and research their own.
The Treaty of Versailles is seen as a cause of World War II because its harsh terms created economic hardship and resentment in Germany, which fueled the rise of extremist leaders and set the stage for another conflict.
For advanced students, organize a class debate on the most significant cause of World War II. Have students present their 5Ws storyboards, justify their choice with evidence, and engage in rebuttals or counterarguments to deepen understanding.