Alžbeta Brnická

Becoming Diplomats: A Classroom Simulation of Pre-WWI European Politics

Understanding the web of alliances and rivalries that shaped Europe before World War I can be challenging for students. To help bring this complex history to life, I designed an engaging role-play activity: a simulation of diplomatic visits among European countries — where students experience the diplomatic maneuvering of the 19th and early 20th centuries first-hand.

This activity connects History, Geography, English Language, and Diplomacy. It helps students:

• Revise 19th-century European history, revolutions, and unification processes

• Understand the origins of alliances before WWI

• Build communication, negotiation, and teamwork skills

• Develop time management and succinct expression

• Recognize the status quo of European powers leading up to the war

The teacher begins the lesson by explaining that the alliances of WWI were not formed overnight — they were shaped by decades of European political dynamics. Today, students will step into the roles of European diplomats negotiating on behalf of their countries.

Students are divided into groups of three, each randomly assigned a European country. They sit together, away from other groups, and receive:

• A name tag with their country

• A summary worksheet describing their country’s political situation, strengths, weaknesses, and goals

• A list of guiding questions to help prepare their negotiation strategy

Each group appoints one “diplomat” — this student will conduct diplomatic visits to other countries, negotiating potential alliances and gathering information. Diplomats will bring back this intel to help their group form a strategy.

A suggested addition:
Students can bring or print a small item representing their country to wear during the role-play (a pin, symbol, flag, etc.).

Diplomatic Visits: The Simulation in Action

With a stopwatch running, the simulation begins:

• Diplomats travel from table to table (representing other countries).

• Each visit lasts 2 minutes — just enough time to present offers, gauge interest, and take notes.

• The goal is to identify potential allies and assess which countries align best with their own interests.

During these fast-paced exchanges, students practice:

• Polite negotiation

• Expressing complex ideas succinctly

• Handling opposing views

• Working toward consensus within a time limit

After visiting each country, the diplomats return to their teams, summarizing what they learned and helping the group refine their strategy.

Finally, the class reconvenes for a guided reflection session. The teacher leads a discussion to help students process what they experienced and learned.

Reflection questions for diplomats:

• How did you feel in your role?

• Did you relate to your country’s position?

• Were there communication challenges due to different national interests?

Questions for country groups:

• Which countries had the most potential allies?

• Which country seemed most powerful?

• Which seemed weakest — and why?

The teacher can list all country names on the board and guide students to rank them from most powerful to least powerful — reinforcing understanding of the political hierarchy of pre-WWI Europe.

Why It Works

This dynamic activity helps students:

• Understand alliances and enmities

• Recognize how political realities shaped history

• Gain empathy for the challenges diplomats face

• Build soft skills like negotiation, communication, and strategic thinking

By stepping into the roles of European diplomats, students move beyond rote memorization — they live the complex political chess game of pre-WWI Europe.