This lesson will focus on one of the most tragic conflicts in human history. The lesson has six sections and you’ll notice only the last section specifically discusses the United States. Like most good fights there were a lot of little issues that led to a big blow up in WWI and the United States came into the fight at the last minute.

In the end, a family feud turned into a World War and it’s a really interesting story. So be prepared to be patient and you will find out how the U.S. gets involved in somebody else’s business before it is all over!

In the summer of 1914, many European Countries were on the brink (edge) of war. For a few years prior European Countries (who are all close neighbors) were experiencing growing tensions (conflict). Just a reminder, many of the rulers of European countries during this period were related.

Take just a moment and think of your cousins (or if you don’t have any – your close friends). Do you have one cousin you just adore? Maybe you don’t see each other very often but when you do you’re like the best of friends? On the other hand do you have a cousin who you would rather not see very often?

The three men pictured below are all cousins. Can you see the family resemblance?

Try to drag each cousin’s picture into the correct country they rule.

Two of these European cousins get along with each other better than the other.

Drag the two cousins you think are closest (get along best) into the box.