The Battle of the Somme was one of the largest battles of World War I, begun on July 1, 1916 and ended on November 18, 1916. It was fought with an all-volunteer force and the most troops Britain had ever sent into battle. Britain, France, and their allies hoped to move German forces from their trenches and push them even further back, but the battle was a bloody letdown. Mark the 100th anniversary of the end of this battle, which had the most casualties in one day of any battle in history, with primary source video and images.
Video Collection
Primary source video helps students understand the scope and environs of soldiers in World War I. These videos include newsreel and documentary footage, along with a modern day look at the battlegrounds.
The Battle of the Somme – July 1, 1916
Discovery Education Streaming, Social Studies Techbook, Grades 6-8
The Battle of the Somme is remembered for its futility and record number of casualties within one day: 60,000 British troops. The magnitude of this failure sparked protests and eventually a change in leadership when the British prime minister resigned. Good overview of the battle.
The Battle at Somme River: The Bloodbath
Discovery Education Streaming, Social Studies Techbook, Grades 9-12
More than 800,000 people were killed in battles at Somme River, mostly Allied troops. Generals with rigid plans caused thousands of needless deaths. Includes details about General Haig and battle strategies and challenges.
The Somme Valley & World War One
Discovery Education Streaming, Social Studies Techbook, Grades 9-12
The host visits Somme Valley, scene of an historic World War I battle. This is a modern look at the Somme Valley, including discussion by a tour guide, a look at the monuments, and video of the places where the battle occurred.
Segment of Dan Snow’s Battle of the Somme: Restoring the Battle of the Somme
Discovery Education Streaming, Grades 9-12
Reveals the two films created during the battle of the Somme and introduces the cameramen who risked their lives to document the war on film. The segment also discusses how modern technology has allowed professionals to restore the aged film and analyzes the films’ popularity. Note: This program contains content and language that may be inappropriate for some viewers, please preview before sharing in class.
Text
Battles of the SommeDiscovery Education Streaming, Encyclopedia Article, Grades 6-8, 9-12
Looks at two important series of battles fought by the British and the French against German forces during World War I, in the Somme River area in France.
Image Gallery
Use images from the battle to frame discussions about who fought and why and what the experience might have been like.
British Troops on the Front Line, Somme Area 1916
Discovery Education Streaming, Social Studies Techbook, All Grades
Indian gun crew, Somme and Ancre area, 1916
Discovery Education Streaming, Social Studies Techbook, All Grades
A Scottish Highlander takes a German prisoner
Discovery Education Streaming, All Grades
N.Z. troops in the Somme and Ancre area
Discovery Education Streaming, All Grades
British medics tend a wounded German soldier
Discovery Education Streaming, All Grades
Instructional Strategy
SOS Strategy: Jigsaw
This strategy relies on different but related content to encourage student groups to assemble new knowledge cooperatively. Teachers organize information and resources, assign different resources to student groups, and facilitate sharing with the whole class. Use the variety of media in this collection – video, text, and images – to have your students delve first into one resource or type of media and then form cooperative understandings based on new inferences and information.
