Lesson 2: Political Crisis and Escalation Before 1994

How do political crises and power struggles accelerate the risk of mass violence?

Civil war
Political instability
Arusha Accords
Power vacuum
Extremism
Militia
Political assassination
Escalation

D2.His.1.9-12 Evaluate how historical events and developments were shaped by unique circumstances of time and place.

D2.His.14.9-12 Analyze multiple and complex causes and effects of events in the past.

D2.His.16.9-12 Integrate evidence from multiple relevant historical sources and interpretations.

Students practice tracing cause-and-effect relationships and distinguishing between short-term triggers and long-term conditions, core skills in analytical reading and writing tasks.

This lesson examines Rwanda in the years immediately preceding 1994, focusing on civil war, political negotiations, and the growing influence of extremist factions. Students analyze how instability, fear, and competition for power intensified tensions without assuming violence was inevitable.
Purpose is to show escalation as a process shaped by political decisions and breakdowns rather than a sudden collapse.
DOK: 2–3

Connections to modern states experiencing political instability, contested elections, peace negotiations, and armed factions, highlighting how fragile political systems can escalate rapidly.

Students may assume peace agreements automatically reduce violence.
Students may view political assassination as a sole cause rather than a trigger.
Students may underestimate how fear and uncertainty influence political behavior.

Provide a brief timeline overview before analysis.
Allow students to annotate texts collaboratively.
Offer guiding questions to support source analysis.

Short written response explaining how political instability contributed to escalation in Rwanda before 1994.

Reading and question worksheet
Timeline of events leading to 1994
Map of Rwanda and neighboring states