The World Wars Flashcards
Somehow stay on the course lol
What is ‘total war’?
Total war is where all the resources of the nation are put towards the war effort.
When was Franz Ferdinand killed?
28 June 1914
Who was Conrad von Hötzendorf?
Conrad von Hötzendorf was the Austrian Chief of Staff. Prior to the assassination of the Archduke he had called for the invasion of Serbia twenty times.
What was ‘the Blank Cheque’?
On the 4th of July, Germany informed Austria that it would support her over Serbia whatever route it decided to take, including, and preferably, war.
Why did the Kaiser want war with Serbia quickly?
He felt that Germany was more prepared for war than Britain, France or Russia.
How did Austria justify war with Serbia?
Austria issued an unreasonable ultimatum which Serbia would never accept. Even if it did, the Austrian ambassador was instructed to reject and response as unacceptable.
How did Austria and Germany misjudge the response to the ultimatum?
They expected Russia to avoid conflict, instead Russia mobilised four military districts.
(ww1) When did Germany declare war on Russia and France?
Russia: 1st of August
France: 3rd of August
(ww1)Why did Sir Edward Grey and other leaders believe that Britain had to fight?
Even if they did not, the war would threaten their interests overseas.
The threat of Germany becoming master of Europe was too great.
Fear that France and Russia would become Britain’s enemies if Britain did not aid them.
(ww1) When did Britain declare war on Germany?
11pm on the 4th of August
Was the Serbian state complicit in the assassination?
No, but elements of it were, for instance the Serbian border force allowing the assassins free passage, and the military providing guns, bombs and training in Belgrade.
Why does Christopher Clark argue that European statesmen did not expect war?
Successive conflicts in the Balkans without a major war breaking out
Repeated crises ‘deadening our awareness of danger’
What does George F. Kennan describe the First World War as?
‘The Primal Catastrophe of the 20th Century’
Which countries may not see WW1 as the ‘Primal Catastrophe’?
Poland- the war gave birth to Poland as a nation state
Australia- the war was the first act of Australia since its confederation in 1901, voluntary
How many men died in the First World War?.
10-13 million
Who described the First World War as ‘the disaster out of which all the other disasters of the 20th Century sprang’?
Fritz Stern
When was the Treaty of Versailles signed?
28th June 1919
What was Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles?
The ‘guilt clause’
How much territory did Germany lose under the Treaty of Versailles?
Along with all its colonies, Germany lost 13% of its European territory, and one tenth of its population.
What military restrictions were imposed on Germany in the Treaty of Versailles?
The army was capped at 100,000 men, and conscription was banned.
The navy was capped at six battleships, and no submarines
Germany was not allowed an air force
What were the economic consequences of Versailles for Germany?
Reparation payments of 132 billion gold marks
The Saar coal region was ceded to France
Half of Germany’s iron and steel industry was lost.
What was ‘The German Question’?
Uncertainty over Germany’s place in the world: a major power with no significant territory outside its borders.
“Germany needs its place in the sun”- Kaiser Wilhelm
V similar to Lebensraum
How did Ferdinand Foch describe the Treaty of Versailles?
As ‘an armistice for 20 years’
In what year did Germany default on its reparations, and what was the French response?
1923, France invaded the Rhineland
