GCSE History: Flashcards
Under which monarch did Britain become hugely influential and form family connections with most European royal families?
Queen Victoria.
(1837-1901)
By the reign of George V who held the real power in Britain?
The elected Parliment and the government.
How many people and territories did the British Empire rule over by 1914?
400 million people in 56 territories.
Despite Britain’s wealth what social issue persisted in the early 20th century?
Most of the population lived in poverty while wealth was concentrated in a small group.
What were the signs of Britain’s declining global status before World War 1?
Other nations like the USA and Germany developed industires and grew more powerful.
What type of government did France have before World War 1?
A republic governed by an elected president.
How large was the French Empire and where was it mainly located?
The French Empire ruled around 60 million people mainly in West and North Africa.
What major event in 1870 negatively impacted France national pride?
Germany defeated France and took some of its land.
What were two key issues France faced befoer World War 1?
France falling behind Britain and Germany in trade.
Population was lower than it neighbours.
When and how was Germany created as a unified country?
In 1871 when several former states joined together.
Who ruled Germany with absolute power before World War 1?
Kaiser William II.
How did the size of the German Empire compare to other European powers’ empires?
Much smaller with territories in Africa and the Far East.
What was Kaiser William II’s main ambition for Germany?
Build and expand Germany’s empire.
What social issue persisted in Germany despite industrial growth?
Many workers remained very poor and some formed opposition groups.
Who ruled Russia in the early 1900s and what did most Russians believe about his rule?
Tsar Nicholas II ruled Russia.
Most Russians believed he had been chosen to rule by God.
What challenges was Tsar Nicholas II facing in the early 1900s?
Tsar was facing increased opposition as his autocratic system was becoming less popular.
How large was Russia’s population in the early 1900s?
Nearly over 160 million.
What was notable of Russia’s ethnic diversity?
Over 200 ethnic groups.
Did Russia have overseas colonies?
No
How had Russia expanded it’s territory?
Taken control of the neighboring territory during the 19th century.
What percentage of the Russian population lived in the countryside?
Around 85%
What were the conditions like when the Russian population lived in the countryside?
Harsh. Poor harvests could lead to thousands of death. Due to starvation.
What was the role of the elected parliament formed after the 1905 riots in Russia?
Tsar Nicholas II often rejected many of the laws it passed.
What were the main types of trenches in WW1?
. Frontline.
. Support.
. Reserve Trenches.
- Connected by communication trenches.
Who held ultimate power in Austria-Hungary despite the existence of parliaments in both countries?
Emperor Franz-Josef.
Austria Hungary had their own parliments.
When was the union between Austria and Hungary formed?
1867.
What made the Austria-Hungary Empire ethnically diverse?
Many nationallities, cultures and languages.
For Austria-Hungary what are some lands calling for?
Independance.
What tensions existed within the Austria Hungary Empire?
Tensions between many of the ethnic groups within the empire.
Why was the Austria-Hungary Empire seen as being in decline?
Unpopular government and an aging emperor.
What was the purpose of the Alliance System in Europe before WWI?
Increase influence and seccurity by forming alliances.
What are the two main alliances before WWI?
Triple Alliance and Triple Entente.
What was the main risk of the Alliance System?
One small conflict between two nations could drag all alies into a large war.
What was the Dual Alliance of 1879?
Germany and Austria-Hungary.
Who was part of the Triple Alliance in 1882?
Germay.
Austria-Hungary.
Italy.
What did the members of the Triple Alliance agree on?
Provide military support if one was attacked by two powers.
What was the Franco-Russian Alliance?
When?
Military alliance.
France and Russia.
1892
What was the Entente Cordiale?
When?
An agreement between Britain and France.
1904
Who formed the Triple Entente?
When?
Britain, France and Russia.
Why was the Triple Entente formed?
Protect against Germany.
What was Great Britain’s military strength before WWI?
Army: 710,000
Battleships: 122
Submarines: 64
What was Germany’s military strength before WWI?
Army: 2,200,000
Battleships: 85
Submarines: 23
What was Russia’s military strength before WWI?
Army: 1,200,000
Battleships: 26
Submarines: 29
What was Austria-Hungary’s military strength before WWI?
Army: 810,000
Battleships: 24
Submarines: 6
What was Italy’s military strength before WWI?
Army: 750,000
Battleships: 36
Submarines: 12
What was France’s military strength before WWI?
Army: 1,250,000
Battleships: 46
Submarines: 73
Why did France want to take control of Morocco?
Who supported them?
For influence.
Britain supported them.
How did Germany respond to France’s intrerest in Morocco in 1905?
Kaiser visited Tangier and pledged support for Morocco’s independence.
What were Germany’s motives in supporting Morocco’s interdependence?
Test France’s limits
Challenge the Entente Cordiale
Assert Germany’s role in the world affairs
What was the Algeciras Conference and why was it held?
Prevent a war between France and Germany over Morocco.
A 1906 conference.
What was the outcome of the Angleciras Conference for Germany?
Germany was humilated as most powers backed France’s rights in Morocco.
What triggered the Second Moroccean Crisis in 1911?
A rebeillion in Fez led the Sultan to ask France for military aid.
Germany accused France of invading.
How did Germany react during the Second Moroccan Crisis?
Germany sent a warship.
Britain prepared for war.
But diplomatic meetings prevented conflict.
What were the main consequences of the Moroccan Crises for Germany?
Germany was humiliated.
Received territory in Africa.
Was unlikely to back down in future conflicts.
How did the Moroccan Crises affect Britain’s stance toward Germany?
Britain saw Germany as a threat so they began to build up a navy.
How did the Moroccan Crises impact the alliances in Europe?
Alliance between Britain and France strengthed.
Italy’s lack of support weakened the Triple Alliance.
What is a Navy?
A group of ships.
What does oppression mean?
Systematically harmed by others.
What significant event involving Kaiser Wilhem II occured in Tangier in 1905?
Kaiser visited Tangier in 1905 to support Morocco’s independance.
What was the outcome of the Algecrias Conference in 1906 regarding Morocco?
France increased it’s influence.
Why did French forces occupy Fez in 1911?
French forces occupied Fez after a rebellion in Morocco.
What action did the Kaiser take in 1911 as a show of strength during the Second Moroccan Crisis?
Kaiser sent a warship to a warship to Agadir in 1911.
What was happening to the Ottoman Empire by the early 20th century?
The Ottoman Empire was on th verge of collapse with several countries rebelling and gaining independance.
How did Austria-Hungary respond to the Ottoman Empire’s weakening?
Austria-Hungary took control of Bosnia in 1908 exploiting Turkey’s weakened state.
What was Serbia’s reaction to Austria-Hungary’s actions in Bosina?
Serbia was angered and requested help from Russia.
What international response followed Austria-Hungary’s annexation of Bosnia?
Russia called for an international conference to address the situation.