It was an easy Friday morning for St. Johns school. Ms. Laura's grade 4 class had a free period. Children were enjoying and playing on the ground. But it was time for them to go their class.

Right after Ms. L takes the children to their class, a teacher from another class calls Ms. L for which she has to leave. But before leaving, she warns her students to behave in the class during her absence for 5 minutes. 

In Ms. L's absence, the children decide to play Atlas. They were enjoying it until John and Nick started fighting.

How dare you? You have no right to say anything about my country.

If you will say something about my country and its people, be ready for this!

Children were worried about John and Nick and are waiting for Ms. L to come.

Suddenly, Natalie comes and tries to stop the fight. She tells them to sit down quietly and behave until Ms. L comes in.

Stop you guys!! Stop fighting!!

Can you tell me what happened?

Nick started the fight first. He said that my background country Germany is the worst country in the world. That is why, I threw a pencil on him.

Ms. L arrives and asks John first about the fight.

Why did you called Germany the worst country in the world? You know it can hurt someone's feelings right?

Miss, first John said that people of France, which is my background country, are stupid and have no brains.

Natalie, I want to know the true story. Can you please tell me what happened?

Miss, in your absence we were playing Atlas. Nick got letter Y and couldn't think of any place. Then, John said YEMEN and told Nick that France's people are stupid like Nick.

Children, today John and Nick fought because of the love they have for their countries. It is important for you all to know that this nation love led to World War 1 in 1914. Today I am going to teach you about causes and effects of world war one, and I hope that after today's lesson, you guys will never take any actions on your own or say anything about any country.

But miss, was it only this nation love that led to world war?

No, there were four MAIN reasons that led to world war, and another one, creating the word MANIA.

Militarism - To have more army to fight against enemy

Alliances - To be friends with countries those will help you through the war and vice-versa.

Imperialism - The increase of wealth and power by capturing other countries.

Nationalism - To be loyal towards his/her country.

Four MAIN reasons are....

Assassination - Plan to murder/kill an important person/group.

And....

The war started because a nationalist for Serbia but a terrorist for Austria-Hungary, Gavrilo Princip assassinated (killed) the king of Austria-Hungary in order to get control over Bosnia and Herzegovina, which were part of Austria Hungary.

Does anyone have any questions till now?

Miss, how did these causes lead to world war one?

Militarism - The more army you have, the more strong and powerful you are.

Alliances - Countries got support and power of other countries to fight in war.

Ms. L reads and explains to class that how these reasons caused world war one.

Militarism means.....

Imperialism - The greed to capture other countries in order to get more powerful by having control on their resources and land.

Nationalism - People may take action when someone threatens or dislikes their country.

So was that Nationalism that caused John and Nick to fight?

Yes, you are right Nathan.

Miss, which countries joined the war?

This is the map of Europe in 1914. As you can see, Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy were alliances known as Triple Alliance, whereas, Russia, UK/Britain and France were called Triple Entente.

Also, Germany decided to attack France by going through Belgium. Belgium didn't like it and asked its ally Britain. Britain was eager to declare war on Germany to help Belgium and therefore all its colonies including Canada, India, South Africa and Australia had to participate in the war.

Why didn't Canada decline the proposal to participate in war?

At that point, Canada was a loyal and proud colony of British Empire and therefore had no choice. Moreover, it was giving Canada some economic benefits like war offered new jobs for Canadians and new factories opened to build weapons. Also, Canadians were very excited to participate in a war because they thought that they are going to visit new countries and use weapons, which they have never seen before.

But did Canada achieve something?

Oh yes, Natalie! Though Canada proved itself in four main battles; The Battle of Ypres, Battle of Somme, Battle of Vimy Ridge and Battle of Passchendaele, as grade fours, you are only supposed to know two important battles for Canadians.

In the Battle of Ypres, Canada held Germans for a long period of time and it was the first time when Germans used Gas Attacks. And in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Canada was successful to capture Vimy Ridge despite being downhill, whereas Germans had an advantage to be on top of the hill as it easy to shoot downwards rather than upwards. That is how Canada proved to its alliances that how strong they were especially to Britain because they thought that Canada is weak.

Wow!!