H5D - Les 14 - 22-09-2026
WELCOME!
Word of the day: disillusionment (noun)
Definition: the feeling of disappointment that comes when you realise something is not as good or ideal as you once believed.
Example sentence: Wilfred Owen’s poetry reflects the disillusionment of soldiers who discovered the brutal reality of war.
Dutch: desillusie / ontgoocheling
Items in this lesson
WELCOME!
Word of the day: disillusionment (noun)
Definition: the feeling of disappointment that comes when you realise something is not as good or ideal as you once believed.
Example sentence: Wilfred Owen’s poetry reflects the disillusionment of soldiers who discovered the brutal reality of war.
Dutch: desillusie / ontgoocheling
What can you expect today?
After this lesson you can ...
explain how attitudes towards war changed during World War I
compare the views of three poets
support your interpretation of a poem using evidence from the text
World War I: What do we know?
About World War I
Indirect causes
Nationalism – countries and peoples wanted more power, independence and prestige.
Imperialism – European powers competed for colonies and influence.
Militarism – countries expanded their armies and navies.
Alliances – Europe became divided into two major power blocs.
Tensions in the Balkans – especially involving Austria-Hungary, Serbia and Russia.
Direct trigger
On 28 June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist.
The alliance system then helped turn a regional crisis into a much larger European war.
In short: The assassination lit the match, but Europe was already full of fuel.
Assignment 1
Look at the selection of World War One propaganda posters below. Think about the following and discuss your interpretation in small groups.
What is each poster trying to make you feel or believe?
Who is the target audience?
Which moral message lies beneath the surface?
5.2 Early Poetry and Patriotism
Read the text on page 28.
Answer questions A and B (Assignment 2)
3
minute
00
second
Rupert Brooke (1887-1915)
An English poet and one of the best-known early voices of World War I. His poetry often presents war in an idealistic and patriotic way, focusing on honour and patriotism.
Brooke died in 1915, before experiencing the later horrors of trench warfare. His poem “The Soldier” became one of the most famous examples of early-war patriotism.
The Soldier (Assignment 3)
Who's for the Game?
Assignment 5
