WWI and the Early 1900s – A Homeschool Guide for Ages 12–18

The early 1900s were a time of enormous change.

Cars began replacing horses. Airplanes took to the skies for the first time. Cities grew rapidly, inventions transformed daily life, and nations around the world competed for power and influence. It was an age of innovation and optimism—but it was also a time of rising tensions that eventually led to one of the deadliest conflicts in human history: World War I.

Known as “The Great War,” WWI changed the world forever.

Massive trench systems stretched across Europe. New technologies like tanks, machine guns, and airplanes transformed warfare. Millions of soldiers faced unimaginable conditions, while families back home experienced shortages, propaganda campaigns, and global uncertainty.

But WWI is more than battles and dates.

Free Learning Resources

Here are some excellent free resources to help your teens explore WWI and the early 1900s.

General Resources

• Ducksters – World War I
• Vintage Dancer — Early 1900's Fashion
• National WWI Museum and Memorial
• Britannica — The Great Depression

Free Videos & Documentaries

The Christmas truce of 1914 — Yarnhub

The Roaring 20's — Crash Crourse (Also check out Crash Course: the great depression)

The Red Baron — Yarnhub

Hands-On Activities

WWI Trench Model: Build a small model using clay or cardboard to show what life in the trenches was like.

D.I.Y. Flapper Headpiece: make your own feathered headband, worn by the imfamous flappper girls of the 1920s

Propaganda Poster Design: Study real WWI propaganda posters, then create your own recruitment or rationing poster inspired by the era.

Books to Explore

These books help bring the era to life for teens.

• The Dk World War I Book — DK publishing 
• G.I. Dogs: Sergeant Stubby — Laurie Calkhoven
• Terrible Trenches Field Book — Terry Deary
• The Red Baron: The Graphic Novel — Wayne Vansant
• War Horse — Michael Morpurgo

How History Plus Brings It All Together

At History Plus, students don’t just memorize events—they experience history through stories, visuals, geography, and hands-on learning.

With engaging lessons designed for ages 12–18, students can:

Explore trench warfare, inventions, and major battles

Learn about pilots, soldiers, inventors, and world leaders

Analyze how technology transformed warfare and society

Discover the human side of history through stories and primary sources

Connect historical events to the modern world

Every lesson is designed to spark curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful discussion.

Ready to Explore the Early 1900s?

From muddy trenches to soaring airplanes, from giant steamships to world-changing inventions, the early 1900s were filled with innovation, conflict, and transformation.

Join History Plus and experience history in a whole new way.

— Janaya Allers