BEFORE YOU WATCH: How World War I Started – Crash Course World History #209

Use the "Three Close Reads" approach as you watch the video below.

Before you watch

Before you watch the video, it’s a good idea to open and skim the video transcript. And always read the questions below so you know what to look and listen for as you watch.

While you watch

Why did Princeps and his co-conspirators target Archduke Franz Ferdinand?
Why didn’t Franz Ferdinand’s uncle, the Austrian emperor, like him?
Why was Austria’s ultimatum to Serbia important? And why was it important that it took a month for Austria to issue it?
John Green lays out the chronology that led up to World War I. What action taken by a national government started the hostilities?

After you watch

To what extent does this video explain the causes and consequences of World War I?
John Green warns us that it’s really hard to understand the long-term consequences of our actions. Can you think of any historical choices that led to surprising or unfortunate results later on?

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to watch. Remember to return to these questions once you’ve finished watching.

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