Era of the great war Flashcards
What are the 4 main causes of ww1
Militarism
Alliances
Imperialism
Nationalism
(The assassination of archduke Franz Ferdinand)
Explain militarism
In simple terms: Getting big militaries.
European countries invested heavily in their military. At the time massive armies, conscription and new technology were key to staying at the top of Europe. This also led to ww1 becoming as big as it was.
What were the 2 major alliances during the great war?
The triple alliance/ the central powers:
Austria-Hungary, German Empire and Italy
(Later Bulgaria and the Ottoman empire)
The entente:
France, Britain and Russia
(Later, indirectly , Belgium, Greece and Serbia)
Explain alliances as a cause of ww1
Alliances between large nations meant any small outbreak would lead to a domino effect leading to most of Europe being at war.
What is imperialism?
Imperialism is defined as the increase in a country’s power by making empire/colonies and by taking over other countries.
Explain Imperialism as a cause of ww1
Competing interests of major European powers ultimately led to ww1.
What is nationalism?
Nationalism is defined as an individuals or groups support, devotion and loyalty for their country.
Explain nationalism as a cause of ww1
Nationalism caused many competing claims over territory due to ethnic groups within countries (i.e. Serbs in Bosnia)
Explain the assassination of arch duke Franz Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the heir to the Astro-Hungarian throne, he was assasinated by a member of a Serbian nationalist group, Gavrilo Princip in Sarajevo, Bosnia (Austria-Hungary)
Austria Hungary followed this by sending an ultimatum to Serbia which was denied and lead to the outbreak of ww1
Why did so many Scots volunteer to fight in the great war?
Propaganda - Made many want to fight for their country too
Peer pressure - Scots volunteered to fight to avoid feeling shame (men who didn’t fight were given white feathers to symbol they were cowards)
Unemployment - Many volunteered because of a lack of jobs at home and they felt they need to find a source of money to support their family.
Nationalism - Many felt they should be making their country proud by fighting.
Adventure - Many thought the war would be fun and a way to see the world.
Pals battalions - Many volunteered in this way ( as a group) because they thought it would be a way of bonding.
Describe the naval arms race between Britain and Germany in the early 20th century
Germany wanted to build an empire, to do this they would need a large and powerful navy. At the time Britain was the most dominant naval power. Initially Germany had the advantage of having small navy which mean they could replace ships faster which would lead to a more advanced navy.
Why did Britain and Germany build dreadnaughts (Ship)
Initially built by Britain in 1906 it had:
Thicker armour plating
Guns with greater range
and was faster
Why did Britain need a strong navy
Protect the isles
Protect trade
Who won the Naval arms race
Britain had virtually won the arms race by 1911 having built more dreadnaughts than germany in 4/6 years that they had been available.
