Old Exam #2--Do not use Flashcards
How many lives were lost in WWI?
8.5-9 million
Who were the two sides in WWI?
Central Powers vs. Allies
Which countries were in the Central Powers?
Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Turkey
Which countries were part of the Allies?
Main countries at the beginning of the war were UK, Russia, France. As the war went on others were added including: Belgium, Italy, Greece, Albania, Serbia, Romania, Japan, Montenegro, Australia, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, eventually the US
What was the Triple Entente?
It was a treaty signed by UK, France, and Russia. They promised to help protect each other if they became involved in a conflict. (worried about Germany)
What was the Triple Alliance?
A treaty signed by Germany, Austria, and Italy before the war. They promised to assist each other–but Italy changed sides after WWI started.
What were the 4 underlying causes of WWI?
- Nationalism 2 Imperialism 3. Disputed Territories 4. Massive Military Buildup
How is an underlying cause of WWI linked to the Industrial Revolution?
New technology allowed countries to produce new weapons in mass quantities which contributed to the massive military buildup
What territories did Russia want?
Russia had its eye on Constantinople and the Balkans–wanted access to the Mediterranean and then the ocean. Needed warm water ports.
What event was the immediate cause of WWI?
June 28, 1914 assassination of Archduke Ferdinand in Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia. (He was heir to the throne in Austria-Hungary.)
Why did Dr. McNutt say Europe was a “tinderbox”?
All the factors leading to war were there, like the dry twigs needed to make a fire, just waiting for a spark that would set off the war.
Why did Serbia believe Russia would side with them in a conflict?
The Russians and Serbians shared a Slavic heritage–similar language and culture.
What region in the Austro-Hungarian empire was the center of controversy?
Bosnia (capital=Sarajevo)
Why did Serbia think Bosnia should be independent from the Austro-Hungarian empire?
Bosnian language and culture was Slavic and they should not be ruled by non-slavs.
What was the Black Hand?
A small militant group that participated in bombings, etc. in the Austro-Hungarian empire. They were seen as freedom fighters by the Slavs but terrorist by the empire.
What happened in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914?
Archduke Ferdinand (heir to Austro Hungarian throne) was assassinated while making a state visit.
Who assassinated Archduke Ferdinand and how did it happen?
Princip–member of Black Hand. Archduke’s carriage had been bombed so it changed its route, coming into contact with Princip by accident.
How did the Austro-Hungarian empire react to the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand?
They demanded Serbia make reparations (payments). They were so high, it was certain Serbia could not pay.
Who promised to help Austria-Hungary after the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand?
Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany.
Why were other countries ready to help each side in the conflict over the assassination of Ferdinand?
The countries of Europe wanted war to settle old grievances and get territory they wanted so they were ready to get involved.
What happened in July 1914 after the assassination of Ferdinand?
Negotiations were held to discuss the problems after the assassination of Ferdinand but no one tried to actually mediate the disputes and prevent war from breaking out. Nothing was settled.
What happened July 28, 1914 after negotiations broke down?
Austria declared war on Serbia. (Because of the assassination.)
What happened July 29, 1914 after Austria declared war on Serbia?
Russia mobilized troops. (Because they promised to help Serbia.)
What happened August 1, 1914 after Russia came to the aid of Serbia?
Germany declared war on Russia. (Because they promised to help Austria.)
What happened August 3, 1914 after Germany declared war on Russia?
Germany declared war on France. (They hoped to settle old grievances.)
What neutral country caused England to enter the war and why?
Belgium–England warned Germany to not try to invade France through Belgian territory. Germany demanded Belgium let them pass through and did it anyway when Belgium refused.
Why did the European countries want colonies?
Partly due to the Industrial Revolution–wanted cheap labor and raw materials to produce goods plus markets for manufactured products Nationalism–competed with other European countries Also believed they would bring civilization and Christianity to the backward countries.
Why did the Schlieffen Plan fail?
Germany did not anticipate resistance from Belgium, which slowed them down and gave France more time to mobilize their forces.
How was the role of civilians different in WWI?
It was one of the first wars where civilians were specifically targeted.
Early in the war, what caused people in the US to see Germany as the aggressor country?
German atrocities committed in Belgium
How was the German advance into France stopped?
1st Battle of the Marne September 1914
What happened at the Battle of Ypres?
Britain stopped the advance of the Germans in the North –October 1914.
What happened at Tannenberg in August 1914?
Germany beat back the Russian advance on the Eastern front.
What kind of warfare was most of WWI?
Trench warfare along the Western front with attacks and counterattacks where very little territory was gained.
What kinds of new weaponry were used in WWI?
Tanks, airplanes, machine guns, poison gases, grenades….
Why was the Battle of Gallipoli fought?
Winston Churchill wanted to take control of the Dardanelles, a narrow passage connecting the Aegean Sea to the Black Sea, from the Ottoman Empire. This would allow supplies to flow to Russia.
What was the Schlieffen Plan?
Germany had come up with a plan to win a 2-front war. They would put more resources in the west at first and quickly win there. Then they would put all their resources on the eastern front.
Why did Germany start attacking ships with their U-boats?
The British had set up a blockade so that supplies could not reach Germany and Austria through their ports.
Why did a German u-boat sink the Lusitania in 1915?
Germany knew that the Lusitania was carry arms and ammunition to England even though it was supposed to be a civilian ship.
What is the mystery that has surrounded the sinking of the Lusitania?
The Lusitania sank very quickly after a second explosion hit the ship. Researchers have been trying to figure out what caused the second explosion.