Final Exam: First World War Flashcards
Why was the First World War expected to be quick
Recent wars had been quick, and technological advance was over estimated
Why did officers see change as unnecessary and problematic
there is an intellectual fear that the younger people in society are degenerating because they are lazy and unmotivated.
How did the Bore War effect perception of younger generation
Many of those who volunteered for the war were rejected due to being deemed unfit.
Why was civilization of Europe change willingness to fight
They would not want to give up their luxury, and would display no bravery, loyalty, and would not follow orders.
What was Social Darwinism’s effect on perception of war?
Perpetuated idea that war was good for individuals and for nations.
What Characteristics of a state are desirable for war?
committed, industrial, organized/ordered (hierarchical), and spirited.
What was the Cult of The Offensive?
the idea that the army who strikes first and has the larger numbers and a bigger spirit will win.
What were the 7 factors of the Cult of the Offensive?
1.New weapons (fire-power), 2. Lessons from the South African War, 3. Lessons from Russo-Japanese War, 4. High casualty rates, 5. Offensive Tactics, 6. Motivation of Solders (new kind of solder), 7. Offensive Spirit
How did new weapons influence the Cult of the Offensive
newer and more deadly weapons were influencing the shape and makeup of the battlefield
How did Lessons from the South African War influence the Cult of the Offensive
peasant farmers were killing the British highly trained troops
How did Lessons from Russo-Japanese War influence the Cult of the Offensive
The Japanese were successful because they had the will to charge the Russian line. They had an offensive spirit and high morale. The lessons taken was that offensive spirit would overcome MG’s and barbed wire.
How did perception of high casualty rates change with the Cult of the Offensive
high casualty rates should be expected in the next war. Military manuals begin to emphasis absorbing losses and move forward with will power
How did offensive tactics change with the Cult of the Offensive
the idea was to attack in waves like the Japanese did. If you sent enough men, you would be able to get through.
How did the Cult of the Offensive change the perception of solders
You have to create a new kind of soldier that is more disciplined (will unflinchingly obey orders) and individualist.
How did disciplinarians influence idea of new soldier
Thought that modern society was weakening, and modern urban citizens would crack under the stresses of war. Must create rifle and flying clubs to prepare citizens for war
How did individualists influence idea of new soldier
Wanted to take advantage of the inherent racial British trait for adventure and conquest
How did offensive spirit influence Cult of the Offensive
Created idea that you must attack to win. Must have balance between human nature and morale
What Napoleonic idea was further developed in WW1
abstract planning
What are the Pillars of abstract planning
Railways and staff collages
What was the most important aspect of Railway organization
Time tables
What were staff collages
A school to teach officers how to think, not how to do
How did Moltke improve the Prussian staff collage?
taught students to think like generals, wrote papers on invading other countries based on historical battles, and allowed students to ride with serving staff
How did Wilhelm II start a two front war
He made an alliance with Italy and Austro-hungry, which scared Russia and France into joining their own alliance
What is the Schliefen plan?
His idea was to pick the closest state that could mobilize the fastest (France or Russia). and preform a continental kesselschlacht. Belgium must be entered and break its neutrality. dDd not consider that Britian would enter the war if Belgium neutrality was broken
Why did Ludendorff modify the Schlieffen plan?
Because Russia had recovered from Russo-Japanese war of 1907 faster than expected, and had developed better weapons and railways.
What was the problem with the implementation of Schlieffen plan in 1914
Belgian forces resisted the Germans and gave French and British forces time to react
What caused the stalemate on the western front between 1914 and 1916
The Cult of the Offensive failed, and defensive technology was found to give advantage over attackers. (Part of the failure of the Cult of the Offensive was that the Japanese tactic in the Russo-Japanese war only succeeded because Russia had a poor defense)
What were technological innovations that occurred between 1916-1917
- intense bombardment from larger artillery, 2. gas (Phosphene and Mustard), 3. Tank, 4. Airplane (First recon, then bomber), 5. Flamethrower
What did Peace in 1919 do to germany
Forced Germany to give money to Belgium, France and Britian, as well as limit the size of German army
What is the most powerful image of WW I
The Trenches
What was the troop rotation for the British trenches
4 days in front trench, 4 days in support trench, 8 days in reserve trench, “rest” for the rest of the month
What were common diseases and impacts trenches had
Trench foot, Lice, shell shock, suicide
What were Frontline Tasks
Repair (barbed wire), Night patrol into no-man’s land, Trench raids (gather prisoners and info)
What two battles cost the Germans the most
Somme and Verdun
What was the German plan for 1918
Have a major battle to win the war. 1917 a year of transition
What was Operation Albeirecht
Retreat to shorten line by 30miles, scorched earth while retreating, create defenses in depth
What was defense in depth
create tank traps, funnels of barbed wire, and checkerboard pillboxes that would create kill zones, and slow down enemy
Who institutionalized fighting, and believed the gap between defenses is where killing happens
Captain Herman Geyer
Who believed artillery should be used to destroy roads and supply depots
Colonel George Bruchmuller
Who created stormtrooper and strum battalian (1916-1918
Captain Willy Rohr
What did stormtroopers do
attack and keep attacking (don’t stop and hold land)
