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WWI Rube Goldberg

(Cause of WWI)
Objective: Identify major causes and describe the major effects leading to World War I
“A Rube Goldberg contraption – an elaborate set of arms, wheels, gears, handles, cups and rods, put in motion
by balls, canary cages, pails, boots, bathtubs, paddles and live animals – takes a simple task and makes it
extraordinarily complicated.”
See the cartoon below and watch this video OK Go "This Too Shall Pass" for a live version of a Rube
Goldberg-esque invention!
Keeping in mind the video, and the above cartoon, learners are going to create their own Rube Goldberg for the
causes of WWI. Essentially, this will be a Cause & Effect drawing of WWI.
Requirements:
1) Must have the Title written in the center of the page in a large font;
2) The goal is to show the chain reaction of the events and where those events led. Each “step” in the
picture must be clearly identified and labeled; You must start with what you believe to be the first long
term cause of WWI and end with Italy switching sides.
3) Learners will be assessed on the following elements: Historical Accuracy
(20 pts)
Includes all major
aspects of the
causes of the war
(missing no key
elements);
Aspects are listed in
the correct order
16-20
Cause & Effect
Relationships
(15 pts)
Cause and Effect
relationships are
clearly identifiable
and well-explained
12-15
Organization
(10 pts)
All steps are
labeled and clearly
transition to the
next step
9-10
Creativity
(5 pts)
Unique, engaging,
colorful and
imaginative steps;
Distinct &
Thoughtful Effort
5

1 answer

Rube Goldberg of the Causes of World War I

Title: The Complicated Path to War: Causes of World War I

1. Militarism
Description: Nations engaged in an arms race, building large militaries and stockpiling weapons.
Illustration: A large scale with nations like Germany and Britain trying to outbalance each other with weapons and soldiers.

2. Alliances
Description: Secret treaties and alliances formed, such as the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) and the Triple Entente (France, Russia, Britain).
Illustration: A web of string connecting puppet figures representing each country, tangled and complex.

3. Imperialism
Description: Competition for colonies around the world led to conflicts and strained relations.
Illustration: A globe surrounded by hands grabbing land, with flags from different nations.

4. Nationalism
Description: Strong national pride and ethnic tensions, especially in the Balkans, leading to conflicts.
Illustration: A prideful figure with a flag representing Serbia, another figure representing Austria-Hungary with crossed arms.

5. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Description: The spark that ignited the war; the assassination in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip.
Illustration: A dramatic scene of the assassination with shockwaves emanating outward.

6. Austria-Hungary’s Ultimatum to Serbia
Description: Following the assassination, Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia with severe demands.
Illustration: A giant letter labeled "ULTIMATUM" crushing a small character labeled "Serbia."

7. Declaration of War
Description: Serbia's response being deemed unsatisfactory led Austria-Hungary to declare war.
Illustration: A dramatic cannon firing that represents the declaration, with smoke labeled "WAR!"

8. Alliance Reactions
Description: The complex network of alliances pulled nations into the conflict.
Illustration: Dominoes labeled with countries falling one after another, showing how alliances triggered shared obligations.

9. Germany’s War Plans
Description: Germany’s Schlieffen Plan and its execution against Belgium brought Britain into the war.
Illustration: A clockwork mechanism with gears representing military plans moving swiftly towards Belgium.

10. Italy Switching Sides
Description: Initially part of the Triple Alliance, Italy switched sides due to its interests in territorial gains.
Illustration: Two figures, one with a "TRIPLE ALLIANCE" badge turning into a character with a "TRIPLE ENTENTE" badge.

Additional Elements to Include:

  • Transitions: Arrows connecting each step, showing the flow from one cause to the next.
  • Colorful Illustrations: Each step illustrated with vibrant colors and engaging designs to grab attention.
  • Labels: Each event labeled clearly for easy identification and understanding.

Assessment Criteria:

  • Historical Accuracy (20 pts): All major causes included and in the correct sequence.
  • Cause & Effect Relationships (15 pts): Clear identification and explanation of the relationships between causes and their effects.
  • Organization (10 pts): Each step clearly labeled and logically progressing to the next.
  • Creativity (5 pts): Engaging and imaginative illustrations, demonstrating thoughtful effort.

This Rube Goldberg representation of the causes of World War I serves to visualize the intricacies and interconnectedness of historical events leading to the eventual outbreak of war, culminating in Italy's switch of allegiance.