Who Lit the Fuse? Tracing the Spark of WWI invites learners to uncover the complex web of events leading to World War I. This free, interactive resource turns history into a compelling investigation, where students step into the pivotal July Crisis of 1914.

Far from a traditional quiz, this activity functions like a historical “whodunit,” encouraging students to explore critical moments—like the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Germany’s “blank cheque” to Austria-Hungary. For each event, they’ll evaluate diverse perspectives, take on the roles of different nations, and assign responsibility for escalating tensions across Europe.

Through this process, learners will:

• Analyze History: Unravel the alliances, rivalries, and diplomatic missteps that led to global conflict.
• Step into Perspectives: Understand the motivations and pressures faced by nations on the brink of war.
• Reflect on Responsibility: Review their choices to decide which nations they found most culpable and why.

Perfect for middle and high schoolers, this resource offers a fresh approach to history—making it engaging, thought-provoking, and accessible. Whether you’re a parent or educator, it’s a fantastic tool to spark discussions about causality, responsibility, and the complex factors behind one of history’s greatest conflicts.

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Personal Use Only: This resource is for personal use only. It may not be shared, resold, or distributed in any form to individuals or groups outside of your immediate family or household. Educational institutions and homeschool co-ops please see the "You May" and "You May NOT" section below for more details.

You May:

• Use this resource in a single classroom for your students.
• Purchase additional licenses at a discounted rate for other educators to use this resource in their classrooms.
• Continue using this resource year after year. Check back periodically for updated versions.
• Contact us via email with any questions or concerns about this resource.

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• Share or distribute this resource with friends, coworkers, or others who have not purchased a license.
• Post this resource on a public website or platform that allows unrestricted access or downloads. However, sharing it on password-protected platforms like Google Classroom for your students is permitted.
• Sell, claim ownership of, or redistribute this resource (or any part of it) as your own creation.

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Modifications: You are allowed to modify or customize this resource for your personal use. However, modified versions are still subject to these terms, and you may not distribute or resell any modified versions.

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