Paper 1: Origins of WW1 - Flashcards
1
Q
Who were the 5 rival countries?
A
Britain, France, Russia, Austria-Hungary and Germany
2
Q
Information about Britain?
A
- Ruled an empire of over 1/4 of the worlds population
- Owned rich industries
- Has a strong Navy (to protect itself and its colonies from invasion)
- Followed a policy of ‘splendid isolation’ in the 19th century, meaning it didn’t get involved with European politics
3
Q
How many men and warships did Britain have in 1914?
A
185 warships
700,000 men
4
Q
Information about France?
A
- Had an overseas empire
- Bitter about loosing Alsasce and Lorraine to Germany in the Franco-Prussian war in 1871
5
Q
How many men and warships did France have in 1914?
A
62 warships
1 million men
6
Q
Information about Russia?
A
- Poor but the largest country in Europe
- Ruled by Tsar Nicholas II
- Had no land overseas but wanted land in Europe and Asia with access to the sea
7
Q
How many warships and men did Russia have in 1914?
A
30 warships
1.2 million men
8
Q
Information about Austria-Hungary?
A
- Central European Empire, made up of 10 different nationalities (many of whom wanted independance)
- Ruled by Emperor Frans Joseph I
9
Q
How many men and warships did Russia have in 1914?
A
28 warships
800,000 men
10
Q
Information about Germany?
A
- Had a small empire
- Ruled by Kaiser Wilhelm II
- Kaiser was jealous of Britains superior sea power and rich colonies
- Kaiser wanted to increase German influence and wealth abroad
- Kasier described Germany’s empire as it’s ‘place in the sun’ and was keen to expand it
11
Q
How many men and warships did Germany have in 1914?
A
100 warships
2 million men
