Materials

• One 5" x 8" index card for each student
• Colored pencils and/or markers
• Overhead or electronic presentation with notes, using the mnemonic M.A.N.I.A.C.S. (see mnemonic below)
• Pictures, posters, or other materials to augment the mnemonic
• Preferred teacher resources

Instructional Activities

1. Instruct students to list what they know about World War I, or give a short pre-test to judge prior student knowledge. Briefly discuss the student’s list or pre-test and explain how it will apply to the unit on World War I.
   
   
2. Distribute index cards and markers.
   
   
3. On the front of their index cards (side with no lines) direct students to write, “World War I was caused by M.A.N.I.A.C.S.!” Tell them to make this statement as colorful as they desire. Have them turn the card over and write M.A.N.I.A.C.S. down the left-hand side. Explain that the students will learn a mnemonic to help them remember the causes of World War I.
   
   
4. Proceed through each cause, explaining it and asking appropriate questions when applicable. Interject slides, pictures, posters, electronic presentation, or other materials to augment the mnemonic.
   As each cause is discussed, have students write the cause next to the appropriate letter in the mnemonic on the back of their cards:
   M. militarism
   A. alliances divide Europe into competing camps
   N. nationalistic feelings (desire for war)
   I. imperialism
   A. alliances cause diplomatic failures
   C. competition over colonies in Africa/Asia
   S. Serbian assassination of Archduke Ferdinand
   
   
5. If times permits, instruct students to practice the mnemonic with a neighbor.
   
   
6. Instruct students to study the causes of World War I by writing out the mnemonic four or more times in preparation for a quiz assigned for the next session.