In All Quiet on the Western Front, the main characters are convinced to enlist by a. their parents b. the newspapers c. their teacher
The book was controversial for its a. nationalism b. patriotism c. pacifism
In 1931, a. the book was first published in a German magazine b. the book was made into a movie c. the book was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize
Discussion/essay questions
Books are often banned if they contain controversial ideas. Have any books ever been banned in your country? What was the reason?
Transcript
All Quiet on the Western Front is a 1929 novel by German author Erich Maria Remarque. It tells the story of 20-year-old Paul Baumer, a soldier in the German army during World War I. In the novel, Paul and his friends are convinced to enlist by their teacher‘s nationalist speeches. However, when they enter the trenches, they realize that the reality of war is nothing like the propaganda. The characters in the novel are fictional, but the story borrows from Remarque’s real experiences as a soldier. The book sold well when it was first released, but it was controversial. Politicians in Germany and around the world disliked its pacifist themes. When the Nazis gained power, they attacked and burnedAll Quiet on the Western Front for being “anti-German.” The book was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. It is still viewed as one of the most important war novels in history.
The War of the Spanish Succession was fought mostly between countries in a. Europe b. Asia c. Africa
A “privateer” was someone who a. used military funds to hire pirates b. enlisted in the military to hunt down pirates c. attacked foreign merchant ships to help their country’s military
The island of Nassau was important during the Golden Age because a. there was often buried treasure there b. there was a military outpost there c. a group of pirates formed a government there
Discussion/essay questions
In 1883, Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson published Treasure Island, a pirate adventure novel. Many common pirate tropes are inspired by his work. Why do you think people like to read about pirates? Can you think of some other popular pirate stories?
Transcript
In the early 18th century, several European countries, including Spain, Portugal, France, and Britain, fought in the War of the Spanish Succession. Many of these countries disputed each other’s control over colonies in the Americas and the Caribbean. During the war, militaries often hired independent sailors, or “privateers,” to attack merchant ships from other countries. When the war ended, privateers lost their source of income. Piracy allowed them to use their skills to steal riches for themselves. During the Golden Age, a group of pirates even formed their own government on the island of Nassau. Many tropes of pirate legends, such as the Jolly Roger flag, come from the Golden Age. Piracy became much less common in the 19th century, but pirates still operate around the world today.
The first Geneva Convention took place in a. 1864 b. 1918 c. 1949
The purpose of the first Geneva Convention was to create protections for a. prisoners of war b. civilians c. injured soldiers
The original agreement was signed by a. four countries b. six countries c. twelve countries
Discussion/essay questions
Switzerland’s neutrality has caused a lot of debate. What is your opinion about countries staying neutral in wars? What are some good reasons to be neutral? Do you think it is ever unacceptable not to choose a side?
The red cross, crescent, and crystal are all recognized symbols for medics in war. Which symbol does your country use?
Transcript
The Geneva Conventions are the agreements that created an international code of laws and ethics for war. They took place in Geneva, Switzerland, because of the country’s historic neutrality. The first Geneva Convention was in 1864. It established laws to protect soldiers who had been injured in combat. It also formally recognized the red cross as a neutral symbol for medics. Twelve countries signed this original agreement, and four more joined by 1867. After World War II, many countries agreed to revisit the treaties. In 1949, the Geneva Convention was expanded to four sections. The second, third, and fourth Geneva Conventions included protections for civilians and prisoners of war. Since then, 196 countries have signed the Geneva Conventions, including all members of the United Nations.
Joan of Arc grew up during a war between France and a. England b. Germany c. Spain
Joan started having visions when she was a. 12 b. 13 c. 17
She was put on trial for a. spying b. witchcraft c. war crimes
Discussion/essay questions
It is uncertain how much of Joan of Arc’s story is true. There are many common myths about Joan and her life. Have you heard the story before? What do you believe?
Why do you think that military strategies can be applied to so many different situations?
Transcript
The Art of War is an ancient text attributed to a Chinese general named Sun Tzu. It is made up of 13 chapters that provide strategies for success in warfare. The book was most likely written between 500 and 200 B.C. However, historians know very little about Sun Tzu’s life. Some historians don’t think he existed at all, believing that the book’s advice may have been gathered from many generations of Chinese military strategists. Throughout history, many leaders have been influenced by Sun Tzu’s ideas. Although the book was originally meant to advise leaders in warfare, people use its strategies even today to succeed in business and politics.
There are many stories about military dogs who have saved soldiers’ lives. However, dogs are not the only animals that have been trained for . Many naval forces around the world use sea animals to help them detect danger. The first military with sea animals began in 1960, when the U.S. navy started to train to find submarines and underwater mines. They chose dolphins because of their ability to use echolocation, which allows them to find objects in the dark. In 1965, the Soviet Union opened a research centre to train dolphin of their own. Both the U.S. and Russia still train military dolphins today. However, in 2012, the U.S. navy announced that they would eventually their dolphins with underwater drones.
Comprehension questions
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Discussion/essay questions
Some animal rights activists are concerned about the use of dolphins in the military. They believe it is wrong to keep animals in captivity and put them in danger for human wars. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Transcript
There are many stories about military dogs who have saved soldiers’ lives. However, dogs are not the only animals that have been trained for war. Many naval forces around the world use sea animals to help them detect danger. The first military experiments with sea animals began in 1960, when the U.S. navy started to train dolphins to find submarines and underwater mines. They chose dolphins because of their ability to use echolocation, which allows them to find objects in the dark. In 1965, the Soviet Union opened a research centre to train dolphin soldiers of their own. Both the U.S. and Russia still train military dolphins today. However, in 2012, the U.S. navy announced that they would eventually replace their dolphins with underwater drones.
World War II was a conflict that began in 1939. The war began when German dictator Adolf Hitler an invasion of Poland. Hitler’s goal was to take over Europe entirely. He also believed that the German race was , and began to order the deaths of anyone who he didn’t think was “pure”. The main victims of Hitler’s regime were Jews. Immediately after the invasion of Poland, Britain and France declared war on Germany. Later, the United States and the Soviet Union declared war as well. They became known as the Allied Powers. Germany’s allies were Italy and Japan, and they became known as the Axis Powers. For six years, Allied soldiers tried to regain land and concentration camps. The war’s end came in 1945, after Allied overpowered the German army and Hitler died by suicide. Over 60 million people died in World War II, making it the worst conflict in history.
Comprehension questions
[wp_quiz id=”20184″]
Discussion/essay questions
World War I ended in 1918, only 21 years before World War II began. Why do you think conflict was so common in Europe at the time?
Do you think another world war could happen in the future? Why or why not?
One of the most tragic events of World War II was the Holocaust, or the genocide of European Jews. Why is it so important to remember and learn from this tragedy?
Transcript
World War II was a global conflict that began in 1939. The war began when German dictator Adolf Hitler ordered an invasion of Poland. Hitler’s goal was to take over Europe entirely. He also believed that the German race was superior, and began to order the deaths of anyone who he didn’t think was “pure”. The main victims of Hitler’s regime were Jews. Immediately after the invasion of Poland, Britain and France declared war on Germany. Later, the United States and the Soviet Union declared war as well. They became known as the Allied Powers. Germany’s allies were Italy and Japan, and they became known as the Axis Powers. For six years, Allied soldiers tried to regain land and liberate concentration camps. The war’s end came in 1945, after Allied forces overpowered the German army and Hitler died by suicide. Over 60 million people died in World War II, making it the worst conflict in history.
France was one of the first countries in Europe to abolish their monarchy. Many other countries began to do the same thing as time went on. Today, most European countries have elected leaders. Do you think this would have been different if the French Revolution had never happened?
Transcript
The French Revolution was a violent political movement that took place in the late 18th century. The unrest in France began during the reign of King Louis XVI, whose spending decisions had led the country into debt. In order to solve this problem, Louis XVI called on an assembly of French citizens to vote on what to do. However, poor citizens found that higher-class citizens had the power to outvote them. This led to the decision to place higher taxes on commoners. Angered by this decision, the commoners created their own assembly, and began to revolt. After invading Louis XVI’s palace, the revolutionaries gained control of France. The new government abolished the monarchy and executed both the king and his wife, Marie Antoinette. But while the king was no longer in charge of France, the French Revolution would continue for years after his execution, as the new government waged war against other European countries that were afraid their citizens would follow France’s example.
Do you know anyone who has fought in a war? What were their experiences?
Transcript
World War I began in 1914 when Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist. After this, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. This conflict began to escalate because of the many alliances in Europe at the time. Germany supported Austria-Hungary in the conflict, and Russia sided with Serbia. Russia was also part of a larger alliance known as the Triple Entente, which included France and Britain. Eventually, more countries began to join the war. This war was different from previous wars because of new technology such as machine guns, tanks, and airplanes. World War I lasted until November 1918, when both sides signed an armistice.
