Year 9 Advanced History

2024

Topic 1: World War 1

HISTORICAL
RESEARCH
BOOKLET

Name: Luca Thew ____________________________________

Teacher: Mrs Maccan __________________

Due Date: 22/03/24 ________________________

 PURPOSE OF THIS INQUIRY RESEARCH BOOKLET
 These notes are to be submitted as part of your assignment and contribute to your overall grade.
 Your record of research enables your teacher to monitor your progress and act as the evidence of an
inquiry/research process.
 Your notes need to be organised, relevant and acknowledge sources used.
 Always be aware of the rules of plagiarism when taking notes. Be sure to reference materials where
needed. Any evidence of plagiarism may result in a fail grade.

TASK
STEP 1: Choose an inquiry topic

You have investigated Australia’s involvement in WW1. Now you must choose one of the
following topics and construct a source investigation:

1. Changing Role of Women

2. Nature of Warfare
3. Commemorating Anzac Day
4. WW1 Armistice

STEP 2: Write your key inquiry question:

How were the WW1 armistice and treaty significant to World War 1?

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 STEP 3: Create a hypothesis

Historians begin any historical inquiry by developing a hypothesis (a theory).

Each hypothesis should clearly state the 'answer' to the key inquiry question, followed by a 'why'.

Create your own hypothesis which attempts to answers the main inquiry question. At this stage, the
hypothesis may lack clarity or specificity as you have not yet conducted extensive research. It is
important to refine your hypothesis after attempting to answer your focus questions.

The armistice and treaty of WW1 had pivotal significance to WW1 because of their effectiveness at
prolonging the peaceful conditions in the aftermath of war. This essay will discuss the historical
significance, cause and effect, role of significant ideas, people and groups as well as the continuity and
change of the WW1 armistice and treaty.

Step 4: Create questions for each of the four focus areas

Once you have created a hypothesis, it is time to think about who, what, where and why certain events took
place. Create questions to help guide your research for the collection of evidence. Consider the four focus
areas and formulate sub-questions for each. Hint: What information are you actually looking for? What key
search terms will you research? What questions do you need to ask to answer your hypothesis?

Focus Area #1: Historical Significance

a) What is the significance of the armistice?

b) What is the significance of the 14 points today?
c) How did the significance of the Treaty of Versailles affect future generations?
d) How is the treaty/armistice linked to Remembrance Day?

Focus Area #2: Cause and Effect

a) What caused the armistice and how did it effect the soldiers still at war?
b) What was the cause and effect of the War Guilt Clause in the Treaty of Versailles?

Focus Area #3: Continuity and Change

a) How did the treaty of Versailles change the balance of powers in Europe?
b) Did the treaty change alliances?
c) Did the treaty strengthen alliances and allow them to progress into WW2?

Focus Area #4: Role of significant ideas, individuals, groups

a) Who signed the treaty?

b) What was the difference in how the treaty treated the different alliances? (Was it fair?)
c) How did imperialism affect the result of the armistice and treaty?

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 Step 5: Conduct Research

You must now conduct extensive research in order to answer your questions within each focus area and
prove your hypothesis. You must use a variety of sources (3 sources per focus area – mixture of written
and visual). You will need to present your research in a certain format to ensure it is organised, analysed
and recorded responsibly and effectively. A scaffold has been provided in the research booklet.

Use will also use the table in the research booklet to record the details of the sources you locate during your
research. This information will be used to create your bibliography.

You will also complete a one-page analysis on one (1) of the sources that you used. A template has been
provided for you in the research booklet.

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RESEARCH JOURNAL LOG
Use the tables below to record the details of the sources you locate during your research. This information will be used to create your bibliography.
Note: ‘Source code’ refers to a quick reference code that you may develop for easy reference. For example, your first book could be given the code ‘B1’. The first website source could be coded ‘W1’.

Books
Source Author Year Title Place of publication Publisher
(surname and initial of first name/s) (italics) (city)
code

Websites with an author

Source Author(s) Year Name Title Date retrieved URL
(person or organisation) (page (of specific page or article, in (of website in Italics)
code created or quotation marks)
revised)

Peter Sawyers 2023

WA1 ‘What was the Natural Trust 01/03/24 https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/history/what-was-the-
(University of Oxford)
Armistice?’ armistice
WA2 Patrick J. Kiger 2023 ‘Why WW1 ended History.com 01/03/24 https://www.history.com/news/world-war-i-armistice-germany-allies
with an armistice’
WA3 Tara Finn 2018 ‘The War That Did GOV.UK 08/03/24 https://history.blog.gov.uk/2018/11/09/the-war-that-did-not-end-at-
Not End at 11am 11am-on-11-november/
on the 11th’
WA4 James Oliver 2023 ‘Why was Via Travelers 09/03/24 https://viatravelers.com/why-was-germany-blamed-for-wwi/
Germany Blamed
for WW1?’
WA5 Ken Drexler 2022 ‘Primary Library of Congress 08/03/24 https://www.theholocaustexplained.org/the-nazi-rise-to-power/the-
Documents in effects-of-the-first-world-war-on-germany/the-treaty-of-versailles
American History’
WA6 Mary Crooks 2023 ‘June 28, 1918’ National Geographic 12/03/24 https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/treaty-versailles-
ends-wwi/
WA7 Isabel D 2024 ‘The Treaty of My Tutor 20/03/24 https://www.mytutor.co.uk/answers/49866/GCSE/History/The-
Versailles was a Treaty-of-Versailles-was-a-fair-settlement-How-far-do-you-agree-
fair settlement’ with-this-statement/

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 WA8 Becky Little 2023 ‘How Imperialism History 20/03/24 https://www.history.com/news/imperialism-causes-world-war-i
Set the Stage for
World War 1’

Websites without an author

Source Name Year Title Date URL
(of specific page or article, in quotation (page created or (of website in italics)
code marks) revised)
retrieved

WO1 ‘The Fourteen Points’ 2024 The World War 01/03/24 https://www.theworldwar.org/learn/peace/fourteen-points
WO2 ‘Fourteen Points’ 2024 Britannica 05/03/24 https://www.britannica.com/event/Fourteen-Points

WO3 ‘Remembrance Day 11 2023 Anzac Portal 04/03/24 https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/commemoration/days/remembrance-day

November’
WO4 ‘Remembrance Day’ N.D Army 04/03/24 https://www.army.gov.au/about-us/history-and-
research/traditions/remembrance-day

WO5 ‘Origins of 2020 Australian War Memorial 03/03/24 https://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/remembrance-day/traditions

Remembrance Day’
WO6 ‘How did the Armistice 2024 Imperial War Museums 08/03/24 https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/how-did-the-armistice-end-the-first-world-war
end the First World
War?
WO7 ‘Treaty of Versailles 2024 Holocaust Encyclopedia 08/03/24 https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/timeline-event/holocaust/before-
Presented to German 1933/treaty-of-versailles-presented-to-german-delegation
Delegation;
WO8 ‘The Aftermath of the 2021 The Wiener Holocaust Library 16/03/24 https://www.theholocaustexplained.org/the-nazi-rise-to-power/the-effects-of-
First World War’ the-first-world-war-on-germany/the-treaty-of-versailles
WO9 ‘History of Germany 1988 Wikipedia Sourcing 12/03/24 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_balance_of_power#cite_note-29
from the Medieval to
the Present’

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Focus Area 1:
Historical Significance
WO10 ‘Brexit, Germany and 2018 Wikipedia Sourcing 12/03/24 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_balance_of_power#cite_note-29
Sources: Notes:
the European Balance
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/history/what-was-the-
armistice
of Power’ What is the significance of the Armistice?
WO11 ‘Balance of Power 2003 Britannica 12/03/24 https://www.britannica.com/summary/balance-of-power
The Armistice was the ceasefire that ended hostilities between the Allies and
Summary’
Germany on 11 November 1918. The Armistice did not end the First World War
WO12 ‘World War 2’ 2020
itself, but itDrishti
was the agreement which stopped12/03/24 https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper1/world-war-ii/print_manually
the fighting on the Western
WO13 ‘The Treaty of Front whileChateau
2024 the termsDe
ofVersailles
the permanent peace12/03/24
were discussed.
https://en.chateauversailles.fr/discover/history/key-dates/treaty-versailles-
https://www.history.com/news/world-war-i-armistice-germany-allies
Versailles, 1919’ 1919
But the war ended with an armistice, an agreement in which both sides agree to
WO14 ‘Causes of WW2’ N.Dstop fighting,
Thothios
rather than a surrender. For both20/03/24 https://www.thothios.com/c-1900-to-today/unit-7-global-conflict/7-6f-causes-
sides, an armistice was the
fastest way to end the war's misery and carnage. of-wwii/

What is the significance of the 14 points today?

https://www.theworldwar.org/learn/peace/fourteen-points

The Points {of the armistice}, Summarized

1. Open diplomacy without secret treaties

2. Economic free trade on the seas during war and peace Determine the usefulness and reliability of
3. Equal trade conditions one source used in your research, by
4. Decrease armaments among all nations completing in detail the table below.
5. Adjust colonial claims
6. Evacuation of all Central Powers from Russia and allow it to define its
own independence
7. Belgium to be evacuated and restored
8. Return of Alsace-Lorraine region and all French territories
9. Readjust Italian borders
10. Austria-Hungary to be provided an opportunity for self-determination
11. Redraw the borders of the Balkan region creating Romania, Serbia
and Montenegro
12. Creation of a Turkish state with guaranteed free trade in the Dardanelles
13. Creation of an independent Polish state
14. Creation of the League of Nations

https://www.britannica.com/event/Fourteen-Points
The Fourteen Points were a proposal made by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson
in a speech before Congress on January 8, 1918, outlining his vision for ending
World War I in a way that would prevent such a conflagration from occurring
again. They also were intended to keep Russia fighting on the Allied side, to
boost Allied morale, and to undermine the Central Powers.

In October 1918 Germany

6 requested an armistice based on the Fourteen Points.
Though the Armistice and Treaty of Versailles did not adhere to the idealistic
Fourteen Points and World War II soon followed, those principles influenced the
 Aspect Source – Anzac Portal (Remembrance Day 11 November)

Describe if the source is The written article is a secondary source. This is evident because it is
primary or secondary? not written by someone who was at the place being described at the
Is it primary or secondary? moment of the discussed occurrence and was written with publication
Visual, written, spoken? in mind.

Describe the origin of the The article was published through the Anzac Portal – a government
source. website. The original information was written and compiled by the
Who wrote it? What was their Department of Veterans Affairs. There is no single author recorded
expertise? How was it published? and therefore their personal views can not be discussed however the
Australian government is a reliable origin for this source.

Describe the context of the The source was last edited in 2023. It discusses the significance of
source. Remembrance Day which occurs on the 11th of November. The
When was it created? Where was Department of Veterans Affairs is a government branch/organisation
it created? What was going on at that supports army veterans and their families.
the time it was created?

Why was the source The source was created to educate citizens of Australia - and others
created? interested – on the commemoration of significant dates in Australian
Who was it created for? What history. The portion being discussed informs the reader on
outcome was the author Remembrance Day and how to commemorate it. The author most likely
intending?
intended for the source to leave the reader will a feeling of
understanding about the origins of Remembrance Day.

What is the sources ‘You might like to announce the minute's silence over a public address (PA)
perspective of WW1? system. Here's a sample script to adapt for an office, school, aged care
Find evidence from the source to facility and another local community setting’ – This shows that the author
corroborate. assumes a supportive position in relation to Remembrance Day and urges

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 others to do the same. It also shows the readers purpose – educating on
and implementing commemoration into the lives of Australians.

‘Remembrance Day is one of the most important days on our

commemorative calendar’ – This highlights the authors perspective on the
matter.

The source is from a government-based website and therefore should be

unbiased however the “Australian Spirit” is a strong undermining value in
Australia politics and therefore has swayed this government page.

How useful is this source for o Useful

Somewhat useful
someone researching WW1? o
o Not very useful
o Not useful at all

Because:

The source provides a detailed explanation of Remembrance Day and its

importance to Australia however it discusses more how to implement the
proceedings of the day into your life rather than the significance of it in
WW1. The source was useful to find a short and reliable source on
Remembrance Day however it is not recommended for researching the details
of 1914-1918.

Step 6: Summary of Evidence

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 Write an extended response of 400-700 words that evaluates your chosen topic and answer your Key Inquiry Question. Use the following format:

Intro Paragraph: State your hypothesis

Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the Historical Significance
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the Cause and Effect
Body Paragraph 3: Discuss the Continuity and Change.
Body Paragraph 4: Discuss the Role of significant ideas, individuals, groups.

Remember: Use evidence from your research!

Introduction

The armistice and treaty of WW1 had pivotal significance to WW1 because of their effectiveness at prolonging the peaceful conditions in the aftermath of
war. This essay will discuss the historical significance, cause and effect, role of significant ideas, people and groups as well as the continuity and change of the
WW1 armistice and treaty.

Historical Significance

The Armistice and Treaty have held profound significance in both historical and current society. On the 11th of November 1918, an armistice was declared to
cease all fighting. Originally, the armistice was directed by the 14 points written by the President of the USA. They emphasised the importance of open
diplomacy and equal independence for countries deeply affected by the war. Although the Armistice and Treaty didn’t align with all of the 14 points, the
impact of President Wilson’s ideas led the way to the United Nations and did appear throughout the Treaty of Versailles. The historical significance of the 11 th
of November was addressed by the Allied Nations and led the way to Armistice Day which later progressed into Remembrance Day after the 2 nd World War.
Evidently, the historical significance of WW1 still holds true in today’s society.

Cause and Effect

The WW1 Armistice and the Treaty of Versailles were the result of ongoing conflict. They set the stage for several future events. Leading up to the signing of
the Armistice, the fourteen points written by President Wilson had been disregarded by America – a result of their further loss in the war since his proposal.
Armistice had already been discussed in other countries on either side of the war so Germany’s sue for peace prompted a rushed process to agreement.
Although the Armistice was not a permanent end to fighting, it was to prevent any further bloodshed. Battles stopped on many fronts however a multitude
didn’t. Nearly 11000 soldiers died after 11am on the 11th of November alone because several units received no instructions to cease fire. In the Treaty of
Versailles, Clause 231 of the Treaty of Versailles lays out a legal basis for reparation payments. By law, Germany had to compensate affected countries and as
a result of this, they had limited economic power. Germany was accused because they illegally invaded a neutral power – Belgium. Their treaty was

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disregarded and the people of Belgium were enslaved and treated horrifically without consideration of basic human rights. Although the War Guilt Clause
was a small part of the Treaty, it – along with the Armistice – had a significant effect on the aftermath of both WW1 and WW2.

Change and Continuity

Several changes occurred after the WW1 treaty. The Treaty of Versailles stated Germany could not work with Austria-Hungary anymore so their alliance was
discontinued and therefore, under the Nazi Party’s control, they allied with Italy and Japan leading into WW2 with a new name - Axis. The treaty didn’t
negatively impact the Allies however several independent changes occurred within the individual nations. Russia – also known as the Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics – separated themselves from the Allies and declared a non-aggression pact with Germany however they fought in WW2 alongside the US to beat
Germany. The militaristic views of both sides continued after the treaty and the continuing belief of territorial expansion in Germany persisted.

The Role of Significant Ideas, Individuals and Groups

The idea of militarism and the people of both sides of the war were significant to the prolongment of peace. In 1919, government representatives from the
victorious countries gathered in the Palace of Versailles to sign an agreement of peace with the German delegation. The clause of the treaty detailing
Germany’s responsibility for the war may have been interpreted as an unfair and unjustified response purely based on a need for reparation to wounded
countries. However, the ‘War Guilt Clause’ was a proportional response to unmerciful actions of Germany in WW1. After the break down of the German and
Austria-Hungarian Empires, their habits of imperialistic expansion only stuttered to a hold for a short period of time. The result of suppressing these idealistic
tendencies resulted in Hitler’s mission to expand Germany which led to WW2.

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