In order to learn about the MAIN causes (Militarism, Alliance Systems, Imperialism & Nationalism) the eighth graders participated in a live map of Europe and analyzed the different aspects of the rising tensions in Europe prior to the outbreak of the Great War. Students learned about the importance of Alliance Systems and who and why they would be friends with the different countries. Strips of land were taken (Alsace & Loraine) and war began with the assassination of an Archduke. Students used their flip notes to analyze the different causes and explain in their own words how this would have been a cause of WWI.