While Belgium was largely occupied by the Germans during World War I, its king, Albert, is still considered a national hero. After holding back the Germans to buy precious time for the Allies, Albert worked tirelessly to protect his people in the unoccupied areas. In addition, he flooded parts of his country to make it inhospitable to occupation. An interesting video biography investigates his story and what it takes to be a great leader during difficult times. 

Concepts

world war i, military history, biographies

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

social studies

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Use the video to prompt a class discussion on the characteristics of a great leader
• Offer the video as background information on Belgium's role during World War I

Classroom Considerations

• Pictures of dead soldiers may make the resource inappropriate for some learners
• Part of Who Did What in World War I? series

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Situates a little-known figure in the larger historical context
• Connects King Albert I to themes that will stimulate lively classroom debate

Cons

• Presumes a level of content knowledge that may lose some learners

Common Core

L.9-10.2.a L.11-12.2.a