Resources: Social Studies 20: Evolution of Nationalism: 2 World Wars

World War I

1 National Interest - Causes of World War One
What are national interests? How does it work with militarism, imperialism, and alliances? This video was created by an Alberta teacher
2 National Interests: Outcome of World War One
Learn what made WWI so different than other wars. This video was created by an Alberta teacher for their Social Studies 30 class.
10 interpretations of who started WW1
Think you know the causes of WWI? Think again! Here are 10 opinions about what caused the war.
40 maps that explain World War I
Here are 40 maps that explain the conflict — why it started and how the Allies won.
Canadian Geographic: Europe at the start of the First World War
This interactive map is a composite of many maps tiled together create a larger image.
Crash Course: How World War I Started
The events of July and August of 1914 lead to the outbreak of WWI
Crash Course: Who Started World War I
Who started WWI? Did the fault lie with Austria-Hungary? Germany? Russia? Julius Caesar?
Interactive WWI Timeline
A resource from the National WWI Museum and Memorial (US)
Minecraft Education: Exploring World War I
5 lessons to deepen students' understanding of the conflict of World War I.
Wanted! 500,000 Canadians for WW I
View the interactive tour and learn about the recruitment of Canadians in World War I.
World War I (short version)
A 9 minute video that looks at the roots of WWI and gives an overview of the events of the war.

Resources for both World Wars

Canadian Encyclopedia: Indigenous Peoples and the World Wars
Learn about the Canadian Indigenous peoples who voluntarily served in the Canadian military forces.
Canadian War Museum
The Canadian War Museum offers many learning opportunities for students from K to 12.
Internment in Canada
An article that looks at how Canada used internment of it's own citizens in both world wars.

Interwar Years

2 National Interest - Interwar Years
This video, created by an Alberta teacher, explains the events that took place in the years of peace between WWI and WWII.
Crash Course: Economic Depression and Dictators
Today we talk about the rise dictatorships in Germany, the Soviet Union, Japan, and Spain.
Crash Course: Post-World War I Recovery
Today we're looking at the fragile state of Europe after the Great War.
Holodomor Research & Education
Here you'll find activities for secondary students about the Holodomor
How Stalin Starved Ukraine
A short video discusses the Holodomor, a man-made famine that killed millions

World War II

3 National Interest - World War II
In this video, created by an Alberta teacher, students will examine the rising tide of nationalism that occurred prior to WWII.
Canadian Encyclopedia: Cree Code Talkers
Learn about the service of the elite unit of Cree Code Talkers who served in World War II.
Canadian Geographic: War on the Water
Canada’s part in the Battle of the Atlantic, shown here, is considered its most essential role in the World War II.
Crash Course: The Atomic Bomb
This is the tale of the most destructive force humans have ever unleashed. The Atomic Bomb.
Crash Course: The Holocaust, Genocides, and Mass Murder of WWII
Nazi Germany executed of many of its own citizens, and citizens of the nations they occupied.
Crash Course: World War II
We'll examine the events that kicked off WWII.
Crash Course: World War II Civilians & Soldiers
Let's look at how the war impacted soldiers in the field, and the people at home.
Crash Course: Decolonization and Nationalism Triumphant
In the aftermath of WWII, empires around the world collapsed not just those in Europe
Hiroshima: A Survivor's Story
Francis Mitsuo survived the bombing of Hiroshima. Learn what it was like from his perspective.
Holocaust Survivors' Oral Histories
Experience the personal histories of these Holocaust survivors.
National Geographic: World War II in Europe
This timeline includes WWII events in Europe as well as relevant events in Africa and the United States.
TED: How could so many people support Hitler?
Learn about Hannah Arendt's strategies to combat the threat of totalitarianism and oppression.
What Was Canada's Role in World War II
An American perspective of Canada's role in WWII
World War II (short version)
Let's retrace on a map the origins, course and consequences of the deadliest war in history.

Related Guides

Box for the Classroom

Supply Line Box Logo
The Supply Line program is a free hands-on learning experience that brings the Canadian War Museum into your classroom for two weeks. Order a World War I or a World War II box.