B3) Ending WW1 Flashcards
Why did Germany suspend its Unrestricted Warfare at Sea campaign after the sinking of the Lusitania?
Didn’t want to risk war with America.
Why did Germany resume the campaign of Unrestricted Warfare at Sea in 1917?
They were getting desperate- the war effort/ blockade etc was wearing them down
When did Germany resume their campaign of Unrestricted Warfare at Sea?
1917
Why did America join the war on the Allied side? (3)
- sinking of the Lusitania
- resumption of Germany’s Unrestricted Warfare at Sea campaign
- Zimmerman Telegram
What are the consequences of America joining the war? (3)
- Allies get more resources
- psychological blow for Germany
- wasn’t an immediate benefit- soldiers had to be trained
When did American troops land in Europe?
Summer of 1918
How many American soldiers came to Europe in 1918?
1 million
What is the Zimmerman Telegram?
A document showing that Germany planned to form a secret alliance with Mexico against the USA.
When was the Zimmerman Telegram discovered?
1917
How big was the US navy?
Third largest in the world.
When did America join the war?
1917
When did Russia withdraw from the war?
1917
Why did Russia leave the war? (3)
- a revolution in 1917 overthrew the Tsar and replaced him with a temporary government
- they found it hard to organise the war effort
- a second revolution put a communist party in charge who immediately ended the war
What did Russia have to agree to in order to leave the war?
A harsh treaty with Germany forced them to give up huge areas of land which would supply raw materials for the army.
How did Germany benefit from Russia leaving the war?
They could transfer their troops to the Western Front.
How did the British Blockade affect Germany? (2)
- influenza epidemic killed many who were already weakened by food shortages
- mutinies in the navy
What is the name of the treaty that Russia had to sign?
The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
How many troops were America sending to the Western Front per month in 1918?
50,000
What were Germany’s strengths in 1918?
They have an opportunity to transfer troops to the Western Front and attack before the Americans get there.
What were Germany’s weaknesses in 1918? (4)
- America was sending troops and equipment to the Allies
- British Blockade was causing major shortages of resources
- Allies were making technology advances
- the army wasn’t as disciplined
How were British aircraft hindering the German war effort?
They had searchlights and were being successfully used to target German U-boats.
How many aircraft did the RFC have in October 1918?
20,000
What is the RFC?
The Royal Flying Corps (British)
What were storm troopers?
Highly trained German soldiers
Who was General Ludendorff?
An experienced German ex-soldier
What was the purpose of the Ludendorff Offensive?
A final push to win the war for Germany.
What were the events of the Ludendorff Offensive?
- short and concentrated artillery bombardment
- storm troopers attacked along the entire line in thick fog
- broke through and advanced 64km- in range of Paris
- forced to slow down because of casualties and lack of resources
How many soldiers were lost during the Ludendorff Offensive?
400,000
How far did the Germans advance in the Ludendorff Offensive?
64km
When was the Ludendorff Offensive?
March 1918
When did the Allies launch their counterattack?
8th August 1918
How was new technology and tactics used during the 100 days Allies counterattack? (3)
- successful use of creeping barrage
- tanks pushed through German lines
- aircraft launched attacks behind German lines
When did the German Army start retreating?
October 1918
How many Germans were dying from starvation in 1918?
300,000
What was the impact of the blockade in Germany? (3)
- starvation amongst civilians
- riots in Berlin
- mutinies in the navy
When did the Kaiser abdicate?
November 1918
Why was the Kaiser forced to abdicate? (2)
- still believed that Germany could win
* not trusted to negotiate peace by politicians-social democrats threatened to resign
What kind of country did Germany become after the abdication?
A republic
When was the armistice signed?
11th November 1918
What was President Woodrow Wilson’s idea for the peace treaty?
He proposed a list of 14 point based on fairness and that he believed would prevent future conflict.
What treaty did Germany actually have to agree to?
The Treaty of Versailles
What were the terms of the Treaty of Versailles? (5)
- reparations
- release of all Allied prisoners
- most of the navy to be surrendered
- lots of weapons handed over
- leave all occupied territory
What was the aim of the Treaty of Versailles?
To make sure Germany was too weak to start a future war.
How did Marshal Foch contribute to Germany’s defeat? (3)
- planned the Allied counterattack with Haig
- led the planning that slowed the Ludendorff Offensive
- exact contribution is debatable due to lack of evidence
How did Douglas Haig contribute to Germany’s defeat? (2)
- led resistance against the Ludendorff Offensive
* planned the Allied counterattack with Foch
When was Marshall Foch appointed commander-in-chief of all Allied armies?
1918
Why was Marshall Foch appointed commander-in-chief of all Allied armies?
The British learned a lesson from the near success of the Ludendorff Offensive and copied by putting a single commander in charge of all their armies.
What is the Hindenburg line?
The last line of German defences- Germany was pushed back to the Hindenburg line during the 100 days.
