Why and how do we remember the First World War?
Over 16 million people died during the First World War, and for many individuals the impact would continue to affect their lives after the Armistice.
Use this ready-made PowerPoint to introduce Lives of the First World War to your class.
Pick Life Stories to investigate and download the Powerpoint containing primary sources relating to that person.
Take a look at our suggested activities to try with your class, as well as other IWM resources that relate to the theme.
Use Lives of the First World War to research names on your local war memorial - this could be a school memorial to former pupils, or a town or community monument.
We have selected Life Stories connected to this theme. Download the pack of sources connected to the Life Story.
Edith was accused of being a spy and executed by German authorities
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Gobar Sing Negi earned the Victoria Cross, and is commemorated with a special stone
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Lottie died of TNT poisoning after working in a munitions factory
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1. Use the facts, images, evidence and stories on Life Story pages to compare and contrast individual experiences - think about similarities and differences between these people’s lives.
2. Study one of the sources in detail. When was it written, and for what purpose? What does it tell you about the person’s Life Story? Pick out details about their age, background and family. How does this information relate to their wartime experiences?
3. Create a mini exhibition based on one person’s story. Select three sources from the person’s Life Story page, and create a title and theme for the exhibition.
4. Encourage creative responses inspired by a Life Story, such as poetry, letters, art, drama, music, or dance.
How have they been remembered?
Use these photos, film and other items from the IWM collection related to the theme
Discover the story behind the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance
The Charles Skey Charitable Trust
We really enjoyed using Lives of the First World War ... the student feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Hinchley Wood School
Help IWM piece together the Life Stories of over 8 million men and women from across Britain and the Commonwealth who served in uniform and worked on the home front during the First World War.
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