1900-1914 Flashcards
What countries made up the Central Powers before World War I?
Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
What was the Entente Cordiale?
A 1904 agreement that improved relations between Great Britain and France.
What was the Anglo-Russian Alliance?
A 1907 alliance between Great Britain and Russia.
What was the Triple Alliance?
An alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
What was the Triple Entente?
An alliance between Great Britain, France, and Russia.
Why was Great Britain angered by Germany before World War I?
Due to German support of the Boers in the Boer War (1899-1902) and economic/naval rivalry.
What was Germany’s main concern leading up to WWI?
Security as a new nation (since 1871), feeling threatened by France and Russia.
Why was Russia opposed to Austria-Hungary and Germany in the Balkans?
Russia wanted control of the Dardanelles and opposed German influence in the Balkans.
What historical event caused France to have tensions with Germany?
The loss of Alsace-Lorraine to Germany after the Franco-Prussian War (1871).
Why did Serbia and Austria-Hungary have conflicts before WWI?
Serbia wanted to unite all Slavs, which threatened Austria-Hungary’s leadership over Slavic peoples.
What was Germany’s plan to expand its military before WWI?
To double the size of its navy.
How did Britain respond to Germany’s naval expansion?
By building superior Dreadnought-class battleships.
What was the main impact of the arms race in Europe?
Increased Anglo-German mistrust and the division of Europe into armed camps.
What happened in Bosnia in 1908-1909?
Austria took control of Bosnia, angering Bosnian Serbs.
What was the result of the Balkan Wars (1912-1913)?
Serbia gained extra territory, and Austria-Hungary feared Serbia’s growing power.
What major event happened on June 28, 1914?
Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated in Sarajevo.
How did Austria-Hungary respond to the assassination?
It blamed Serbia and decided to take action.
What was Russia’s response to Austria’s demands on Serbia?
Russia said it would support Serbia if Austria attacked.
On what date did Austria declare war on Serbia?
July 28, 1914.
How did Germany react to Russia mobilizing its forces?
Germany declared war on Russia on August 1, 1914.
What was the Schlieffen Plan?
Germany’s strategy to quickly defeat France before turning to fight Russia.
Why did Britain declare war on Germany on August 4, 1914?
Because Germany invaded Belgium, violating Belgian neutrality.
