The First World War - The Battle of the Somme 1916

This lesson examines the Battle of the Somme, one of World War I’s most significant and controversial battles. Students will explore the battle’s events, strategies, and leadership through historical perspectives. Activities include video analysis, mind mapping, source-based research, and debating the effectiveness of British generals. The lesson concludes with a writing task on whether the British generals were “lions led by donkeys” and a peer assessment of the arguments.

Lesson Content and Activities:

Introduction:

Discuss what students already know about the Battle of the Somme.
Create a mind map with initial knowledge.
Video Analysis:

Watch a video on the Battle of the Somme.
Add new information to the mind map in a different colour.
Battle Overview:

Provide an overview of the battle, its objectives, duration, and outcomes.
Discuss the high casualty rates and limited territorial gains.
Historical Perspectives:

Compare traditional and revisionist views on the battle using quotes from historians John Keegan and Gary Sheffield.
Task: Identify agreements and disagreements between the historians.
Factors Analysis:

Examine various factors (A-G) related to the battle, such as high casualty rates, complexity of war, strategies, German defenses, improvements over time, logistical successes, and contextual successes.
Complete a table assessing whether each factor suggests that British generals were “donkeys.”
Debate Preparation:

Prepare arguments for and against the idea that British generals were “lions led by donkeys.”
Use provided factors and historian quotes to support arguments.
Writing Task:

Write an essay answering the question: “Were the British generals really donkeys at the Battle of the Somme?”
Structure: Introduction, arguments for, arguments against, conclusion.
Peer Assessment:

Peer assess a partner’s essay based on structure, use of evidence, quoting historians, and clarity of conclusion.
Provide feedback and a score out of 5 for each criterion.
Resources:

Video link on the Battle of the Somme
Mind map template
Historian quotes and factors table
Writing task guidelines and structure
Peer assessment checklist
Taken from a series of over 30 First World War lessons made by Wolsey Academy. They provide a thorough foundation of knowledge in this vital period of 20th Century History and each lesson looks to focus on a range of historical skills and exam techniques to equip students with knowledge and transferable research, analysis and study skills.

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