1. Wonder Weapons of
the First World War
Objective: Assess the impact of
the ‘wonder weapons’ on breaking
the stalemate.

2. Background: The Schlieffen Plan
Stalls & Stalemate
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Germany was not able to sweep through
the west and fight on the east as quickly
as they planned – they were defeated in
the Battle of the Marne on the Western
Front (border of France and Germany
where most of the fighting took place).
Germany was forced to split their troops
and fight on two fronts.
This led to a stalemate where neither side
was winning.

3. Mini Shark Tank
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You have designed a weapon to break this
stalemate and win the war for Britain. You have
some money to invest, but you need more.
You are going to take your weapon to a group of
investors…all of whom have a weapon of their
own that they’d like people to invest in.
You must come up with a 2 minute pitch to sell
your weapon.
You must persuade your group of investors that
your weapon is the best!

4. Presentations
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Use the information sheet you have been given about
your wonder weapon to make your presentation.
Your group can and should question you about your
weapon – so you need to know your facts! (you can’t
lie!)
Be clear on the best points about your wonder weapon
– why is it the best? How is your weapon going to
break the stalemate and give Britain the upper hand?
(Your weapon may not be usable on land…but how
might it still help turn the tide of the war?)
Try to think of questions for the other groups – what
could be wrong with their weapon? Why is it worse
than yours?

5. Gas

6. Tank

7. Flame-Thrower

8. Airplane

9. Submarine

10. Zeppeli
n

11. Make your choice!
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You must decide
which wonder
weapon will do
the most to break
the stalemate .
Which weapon
will you invest
in???

12. Weapon
Gas
Tank
Flame
Thrower
Submarine
Airplane
Zeppelin
Good Points
Bad Points