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.
(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.
Set up timeline posters around the classroom. Arrange student-created timelines on walls or desks to create an interactive gallery feel.
Have students move in small groups to examine each timeline, ensuring they spend time reading event summaries and illustrations.
Provide sticky notes so students can write thoughtful comments or questions and place them on timelines, encouraging peer-to-peer learning.
Facilitate a conversation about patterns, causes, and effects noticed during the walk, helping students connect individual events to the broader context of WWI.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.