Definitions

Question 1

Mobilisation

Answer 1

The readying of troops, military supplies to move into the battle; putting the nation onto a war footing. The schieffen Plan replied on Russia being slow to mobilise.

Question 2

Assassination

Answer 2

The murder of a political figure for political purpose. e.g. Princip, a Serbian nationalist, shot Archduke Franz-Ferdinand the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne.

Question 3

Referendum

Answer 3

A vote of all the electorate (in Auststates and population) on a yes/no proposition e.g. the 1916, 1917 referenda on conscription.

Question 4

Ultimatum

Answer 4

A list of final demands which if not met leads to a declaration of war. Austria-Hungary presented Serbia presented Serbia with an ultimatum in July 1914.

Question 5

No Mans Land

Answer 5

The area between the enemy trenches lines. e.g. Barbed wire marked the beginning of no mans land on the western front.

Question 6

Conscription

Answer 6

Compulsory military service. All Allied powers except Australia had conscription soldiers in their armies.

Question 7

Enlistment

Answer 7

Soldiers voluntarily joining the army. Australian men rushed to enlist in the first months of the war.

Question 8

War of Attraction

Answer 8

A war in which each side tries to wear down the other with more weapons and soldiers. E.g. With trench warfare WWI became a war of attraction.

Question 9

Stalemate

Answer 9

A term that comes from the game of chess. Meaning a situation in which neither side can gain a winning advantage. E.g. By the end of 1914, the Allies and Central Powers were locked in a stalemate.

Question 10

Blockade

Answer 10

Cutting off supplies to the enemy. E.g. German U-boats tried to break the naval blockade Britain had imposed on Germany.