Foreign Policy & WWI Flashcards
Foreign Policy
A plan of action that guides government’s decisions about its official relations with other countries. Also called foreign affairs or external relations.
National Interest
The interests of the people of a nation. May include economic prosperity, security and safety, and beliefs and values.
Causes of WWI
MAIN: Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism
“spark” that ignites WWI
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Killed by a Serbian nationalist.
Germany’s “Blank Cheque”
An offer of unconditional support to Austria-Hungary after the assassination. A promise to have their back no matter what happens.
Triple Alliance Countries
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
Triple Entente Countries
Britain, France, Russia
Schlieffen Plan
Germany’s strategy for a quick victory. Quickly knock out France then rush east to defeat Russia. Wanted to avoid a war on two fronts.
The Balkans
An area of south-east Europe full of nations wanting self-determination and conflicting interests. Considered a “powder keg” (an area of much tension just waiting to explode).
When does Canada get involved in the war?
As soon as Britain declares war. Our foreign policy is still under British control at the time. We have no choice in going to war.
Why trench warfare?
On the Western Front, both sides try to outflank each other, leading both sides to rapidly dig a line of trenches to avoid being driven back. Trenches soon stretch from the sea to Switzerland.
What brings USA into WWI?
- The sinking of the passenger ship “Lusitania” with many American civilians on board shifts American attitudes against Germany. 2. A telegram from Germany encouraging Mexico to declare war on the US is intercepted.
Treaty of Versailles
The document Germany signs which lays out its punishments for losing the war. Very harsh.
What are some of the conditions of the Treaty of Versailles?
accept blame, pay the winners, reduce army and navy, can’t join with Austria, lost its colonies, lost territory to new Poland, can’t have soldiers in the Rhineland
What is conscription?
Mandatory military service
Why is conscription controversial in Canada?
Strongly opposed by Quebec, who are not loyal to Britain. Also opposed by farmers and unions. Canadian society is divided. People of British heritage (anglophones) support it.
How does Germany feel about the Treaty of Versailles?
Hate it!! Hitler loathes it and uses the anger against it as a rallying tool to unify Germany support for himself.
Woodrow Wilson’s 14 Points
US President creates this list of points to lay out what the US is fighting for, and what they aim to achieve in the post-war society. Seen as idealistic.
self-determination
The power to control one’s own affairs. National self-determination is the power of people within a nation-state or nation to make their own decisions about what is in their interest. Self-determination for European peoples part of the 14 points.
League of Nations
International organization created after WWI to try and create world peace. Woodrow Wilson’s idea.
What two crises does the League of Nations fail to deal with?
Abysinnia Crisis (Italy invades Ethiopia) and the Manchuria Crisis (Japan invades part of China)
