WWI was the first of the great wars. Millions of young men were killed on the fields of Europe, while hundreds of millions of dollars of damage were done. Afterwards, most of Europe was in no better situation than they started, and some were much worse off.
Our task will be to try to prevent the killing, carnage, and destruction. You will be part of a "country" that is in the middle of a near crisis situation. All told, there are six countries that will be involved, and each has their own identity, strengths, and weaknesses. You will attempt to take care of yourselves, while also trying to "play nice" with the rest of the world.
Step 1- Line up around the room, groups will be selected randomly, and assigned a country based on a draw.
Step 2-Each group will need to elect the following:
President-This person will be responsible for conducting meetings, and making decisions if the group is deadlocked. This person is not allowed to leave the table for diplomatic relations. You may speak with Ministers (Deputys as well) of Diplomacy from other countries IF they come to your country. You will also be required to assist the Press Secretaries in writing the official press releases.
Press Secretary- This person is responsible for writing and reading the first official press release. This person is not to leave the table unless they are giving a press release.
Associate Press Secretary- This person is responsible for writing and reading the second, and final official press release. This person is not to leave the table unless they are giving a press release.
Minister of Diplomacy- This is the chief "negotiator" with other countries. This person, and their deputy ministers, are the only people allowed to leave their tables to make deals with other countries. All alliances and other dealings must be signed by the Minister of Diplomacy, and at least one of the following: Deputy Minister of Diplomacy or the President.
Deputy Minister of Diplomacy- (May be two if there are enough people in the group)- You may speak with other countries on behalf of the Minister of Diplomacy, but may not contradict what the Minister of Diplomacy tells that country (if they have already spoken with them).
Step 3- Read through World Situation Summary as a class
Step 4- Examine your country's strengths and weaknesses. Begin filling out Part B, and begin Day 1 of 4 activity. You may split up the work so some are working on Part B on the back page of your first packet and some are working on the symbols, flag, and national anthem.
Note: Your country's flag may be completed on a larger, 8x11 piece of paper. Your country must have some type of national anthem.
Step 5- Receive Confidential Data sheets. These sheets are to be kept confidential, meaning they are not to be shared with other countries. There may be bits of information that you use to bargain with another country, but do not give these sheets to other countries, or leave them laying out. Do not share their contents with other sections.
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Remember, your goal is to prevent war. War has consequences, and though they are not fully known in advance, you can assume they will not be good more times than not. Avoid war at all costs, because the consequences of going to war will likely have an affect on class.