Chapter 18 Flashcards
WW1
Why did Russia withdraw from WW1?
Russia withdrew from World War 1 primarily due to the Russian Revolution, which brought the Bolshevik communist party to power; the new government, led by Vladimir Lenin, prioritized ending the war to focus on consolidating power within Russia
What difference existed between Wilson’s 14 points and the desires of France, Britain, and Italy at the Paris Peace Conference?
Wilson wanted to create peace, while the rest of the BIG 4 primarily sought to severely punish Germany through territorial losses and heavy reparations, prioritizing their own security and regaining lost territories over a broader vision of international cooperation
Why did the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles fail in the United States Senate?
It failed because of strong opposition to the League of Nations, a key part of the treaty, with many senators fearing it would infringe on American sovereignty and limit Congress’s power to declare war, leading to concerns about being drawn into future international conflicts without their approval; this opposition was largely led by Senator Henry Cabot Lodge and included both “Irreconcilables” who refused to join the League under any circumstances and “Reservationists” who wanted amendments to the treaty before ratification.
What weapon was primarily responsible for the onset of “Trench Warfare”?
The destructive power of modern artillery and machine guns.
Why did Wilson believe that the League of Nations was the most important of his fourteen points?
He believed it was the key mechanism to prevent future wars by providing a forum for international cooperation and diplomacy, ensuring the territorial integrity and political independence of all nations, and allowing for collective action to resolve disputes peacefully, rather than through military force; essentially acting as a global peacekeeping organization to avoid the destructive conflicts that had led to World War I.
How did Wilson permanently change the United States’ role in the world when he requested a declaration of war from Congress?
He fundamentally shifted the United States from a largely isolationist nation to a major player on the global stage, marking the first time America actively joined a major European conflict and setting a precedent for future international involvement, particularly through his vision for the League of Nations, aimed at promoting collective security and world peace; this marked a significant departure from the traditional American policy of neutrality in foreign wars.
Why are people willing to sacrifice their Constitutional rights during a time of Crisis?
They are willing to give it up because of a perceived need to prioritize national security and unity, believing that temporary restrictions on individual freedoms are necessary to effectively combat a threat and protect the nation, even if it means giving up some personal liberties.
How did the failure of the Treaty of Versailles impact the course of world history for the next two decades that followed WW1?
It significantly contributed to the rise of extremist political movements like Nazism in Germany, ultimately leading to World War II, as the harsh terms imposed on Germany, including blame for the war and heavy reparations, created widespread resentment and economic instability, paving the way for Adolf Hitler to exploit these grievances and gain power.
Definition of imperialism?
Imperialism is the practice of a nation extending its power and influence over other countries or territories.
Definition of Militarism?
The belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests.
What was the Triple Alliance?
The Triple Alliance was a secret military alliance formed in 1882 between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, where each member pledged to support the others if attacked by another great power, primarily aimed at countering France and Russia; this alliance was periodically renewed until it effectively ended during World War I.
What was the Triple Entente?
The Triple Entente was a diplomatic alliance between Great Britain, France, and Russia that formed in the years leading up to World War I. The word “entente” is French for “understanding” or “friendship”.
What was the Central Powers?
The Central Powers was a coalition of nations that fought against the Allied Powers in World War I. It primarily consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria. These countries formed an alliance due to shared political, military, and strategic interests.
What was the Allied Powers?
The Allied powers were a collection of Nations who were fighting against the Central Powers. The Allied Powers consisted of France – A major European power and long-standing rival of Germany, involved in the war from the start. United Kingdom – Entered the war in response to Germany’s invasion of Belgium and its broader threat to European stability. Russia – Joined the war to support Serbia against Austria-Hungary, though it was eventually forced to withdraw after the Russian Revolution in 1917. Italy – Initially part of the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary, but switched sides in 1915, hoping to gain territorial rewards.
Japan – Joined the war in 1914, targeting German colonial possessions in the Pacific and China. United States – Entered the war in 1917, tipping the balance in favor of the Allies with its vast resources and military power. Serbia, Belgium, Romania, Greece, and Portugal were among other countries that joined the Allied cause.
What was Trench Warfare.
Trench warfare was a dominant and grueling form of combat during World War I, particularly on the Western Front. It involved soldiers fighting from deep, narrow ditches or trenches dug into the ground, where they would take cover and defend against enemy attacks. This style of warfare emerged due to the advancements in military technology (such as machine guns, rapid-fire artillery, and rifles) which made traditional open-field battles highly deadly.
Conditions: spoiled food and water, Trench mouth, corpses/corpse rats, Trench coat( Lice ), rain/ floods, Trench foot, constant boming, little sleep, would eat, shit, and wear their helmets, would eat dead animals and rats, and Shellshock ( PTSD ).
