GCSE History: House of Cards WWI Simulation Game

This game, called "The House of Cards," is a problem-solving exercise designed to introduce students to the causes of World War I and the alliance system in Europe during the early 1900s. We will be using a fictional scenario about "funny old men" in a house to represent the countries and their relationships.

Objective

The main goal is to use clues to understand the relationships (likes, dislikes, and reasons why) between the characters in the house and predict how they will react to changes. Ultimately, this exercise aims to teach GCSE History core historical concepts in a fun way.

Materials

Players will be given four things:

• An image of "The House of Cards" (the old people's home).

• A table to fill in information.

• A set of "cards with evidence" (character cards).

• A story

Documents to be downloaded

General Instructions.pptx

Download PPTX • 10.63MB

Further Instructions (If Needed).docx

Download DOCX • 13KB

House of Cards Problem Solving and Probability Table.docx

Download DOCX • 92KB

Card Sort House of Cards.docx

Download DOCX • 92KB

The House of Cards Map of House.docx

Download DOCX • 95KB

The House of Cards student instructions one per pair.docx

Download DOCX • 279KB

Gameplay

1. Examine the Map and Read the Story: Players work in pairs to study the house map and read the provided story.

2. Sort the Cards: Players then sort the evidence cards into groups related to each character: Frank, Russell, Brian, Gerald, or Austin.

3. Fill in the Table: Using the sorted clues, players fill in the table with information about the occupants, including who likes whom, who dislikes whom, and the reasons behind these relationships, as well as their individual likes, dislikes, and desires. This step helps them understand the history of the house.

4. Scenario 1: The Old Man is Sick: Players are presented with a scenario where the "Old Man" is sick and Austin and Gerald are having secret meetings. They need to discuss what Austin and Gerald might be talking about and how Russell and the others will react.

   • Resolution of Scenario 1: Austin is planning to expand his room into the Old Man's room once the Old Man dies, and Gerald's support makes him brave enough to act.

5. Scenario 2: The Old Man Dies: The Old Man dies, and Austin begins moving into his room, while Gerald intimidates Russell. Players must determine what Russell can do and how Frank and Brian will respond.

   • Resolution of Scenario 2: Gerald threatens Russell, who then seeks support from Frank and Brian. Frank is willing to help, but Brian is hesitant to get involved.

     
     

The Big Reveal

Connecting to GCSE History: After the game, the connections to World War I are revealed:

• The "Old Man" represents the Ottoman Empire.

• The characters and their relationships represent key European powers and their alliances.

  • Gerald and Austin are Germany and Austria.

  • Frank and Russell are France and Russia.

  • Brian is Britain, who initially tried to stay isolated but was eventually drawn in when Germany and Austria became more powerful.

• The "walk-in cupboard" represents Alsace-Lorraine, territory taken by Germany from France.

• The "garden" represents Britain's large Empire and control of sea trade.

  
  

The game also introduces what made a country powerful in 1900, using the acronym "MEAL":

• Military: Power of army and navy.

• Economy: Wealth from trade and industry.

• Alliances: Powerful allies for defense.

• Land: Empire for resources and troops.

  
  

The "Great Powers" in 1900 are identified as Britain, France, Russia, Germany, and Austria-Hungary.

Have fun!