Foreign Policy & WWI

Question 1

Foreign Policy

Answer 1

A plan of action that guides government’s decisions about its official relations with other countries. Also called foreign affairs or external relations.

Question 2

National Interest

Answer 2

The interests of the people of a nation. May include economic prosperity, security and safety, and beliefs and values.

Question 3

Causes of WWI

Answer 3

MAIN: Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism

Question 4

“spark” that ignites WWI

Answer 4

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Killed by a Serbian nationalist.

Question 5

Germany’s “Blank Cheque”

Answer 5

An offer of unconditional support to Austria-Hungary after the assassination. A promise to have their back no matter what happens.

Question 6

Triple Alliance Countries

Answer 6

Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy

Question 7

Triple Entente Countries

Answer 7

Britain, France, Russia

Question 8

Schlieffen Plan

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

The Balkans

Answer 9

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).

Question 10

When does Canada get involved in the war?

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

Why trench warfare?

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

What brings USA into WWI?

Answer 12

1. 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.

Question 13

Treaty of Versailles

Answer 13

The document Germany signs which lays out its punishments for losing the war. Very harsh.

Question 14

What are some of the conditions of the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

What is conscription?

Answer 15

Mandatory military service

Question 16

Why is conscription controversial in Canada?

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

How does Germany feel about the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 17

Hate it!! Hitler loathes it and uses the anger against it as a rallying tool to unify Germany support for himself.

Question 18

Woodrow Wilson’s 14 Points

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

self-determination

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

League of Nations

Answer 20

International organization created after WWI to try and create world peace. Woodrow Wilson’s idea.

Question 21

What two crises does the League of Nations fail to deal with?

Answer 21

Abysinnia Crisis (Italy invades Ethiopia) and the Manchuria Crisis (Japan invades part of China)