Unit 1- WWI Flashcards
What were U-boats used for?
To attack enemy ships in the Atlantic Ocean by the Germans
U-boats were a crucial part of Germany’s naval strategy during World War I.
What was the main tactic of U-boats?
To sink cargo ships and military vessels to cut off supply delivery to Britain and other allies
This tactic aimed to weaken the enemy’s war effort by disrupting their supplies.
What type of attacks did U-boats employ?
Surprise attacks
These surprise attacks caused significant losses for the Allies.
Which event increased tensions between the US and Germany regarding U-boats?
The attack on the Lusitania
The sinking of the Lusitania, a British ocean liner, resulted in the deaths of many Americans and contributed to the US entering the war.
True or False: U-boats primarily targeted military vessels only.
False
U-boats targeted both cargo ships and military vessels.
What was one of the basic terms of the Treaty of Versailles?
Loss of European Territory
The treaty resulted in significant territorial losses for Germany and other Central Powers.
What happened to the colonial empire as a result of the Treaty of Versailles?
Colonial Empire Dissolved
The treaty led to the redistribution of colonies previously held by the Central Powers.
What area was demilitarized under the Treaty of Versailles?
Rhineland
The Rhineland was a region that Germany was required to demilitarize as part of the treaty.
What restrictions were placed on the German army and weapons after the Treaty of Versailles?
Army and Weapon Restrictions
Germany faced severe limitations on the size and capability of its military forces.
What was the total amount of reparations Germany was required to pay as stated in the Treaty of Versailles?
33 Billion
Germany was held liable for the war and required to pay reparations totaling 33 billion dollars.
What clause in the Treaty of Versailles placed the blame for World War I on Germany?
War Guilt Clause
This clause assigned responsibility for the war solely to Germany and its allies.
Who proposed the 14 Points after World War I?
Wilson
President Woodrow Wilson proposed these points as a framework for peace negotiations.
What was one of the key principles of Wilson’s 14 Points?
Self determination
This principle advocated for nations to determine their own political status.
What was the purpose of the League of Nations as proposed by Wilson?
Lead of nations should be made
The League was intended to be an organization to promote peace and cooperation among countries.
Where was the League of Nations headquartered?
Switzerland
The League of Nations was established in Geneva, Switzerland.
Did the United States join the League of Nations?
No
Despite Wilson’s advocacy, the U.S. did not join the League due to opposition in Congress.
Why could the USSR not join the League of Nations?
Communism
The League did not accept the USSR because of its communist government.
Was the League of Nations effective at the time?
Not effective
The League struggled to enforce its resolutions and prevent conflicts.
What organization did the League of Nations set the stage for?
United Nations
The League’s failures led to the establishment of the United Nations after World War II.
What is Vimy Ridge?
A strategic location that both French and British troops couldn’t capture.
Vimy Ridge was the site of a significant battle during World War I.
When did the Battle of Vimy Ridge take place?
From April 9 to April 12, 1917.
This battle is a key event in Canadian military history.
What was a notable aspect of the Canadian troops’ preparation for Vimy Ridge?
Very detailed planning such as rehearsals and skill models.
This level of preparation was crucial for their success in the battle.
What was significant about the participation of Canadian divisions at Vimy Ridge?
It was the first time all four Canadian divisions fought together.
This unity was a pivotal moment for Canada in World War I.
What was the turning point for Canada as a result of the Battle of Vimy Ridge?
Canada was established as an elite fighting force and independent nation.
The victory at Vimy Ridge fostered a sense of national pride and identity.
What were the dates of the Battle of the Somme?
From July 1 to November 18, 1916
What is the significance of the Battle of the Somme for Canada?
It is known as Canada’s first major battle
Where was the Battle of the Somme fought?
At Beaumont Hamel
What was the first military technology used during the Battle of the Somme?
Tanks
What was the effectiveness of tanks during the Battle of the Somme?
Known to be useless
Did Canadian forces win the Battle of the Somme?
Yes, but it was not considered worth it due to high casualties
What type of warfare is the Battle of the Somme officially classified as?
A war of attrition
What was the main goal of the Battle of the Somme?
To outlast the enemy, not to defeat them
What time period did the battle of the Passchendaele occur?
From October to November 1917
Where was the battle of the passendaele located?
Passchendaele, Belgium
What was a significant characteristic of the battlefield of the passchendaele?
It was a big mud mess
What did Canadians perceive themselves as after the battle of the passchendale?
An elite force
What new weapon was first used in this battle the battle of the passchendale?
Poisonous gas
What was discovered as a method to combat poisonous gas?
A way to prevent it was using a cloth and peeing on it
What was the condition of the trenches during the battle of the passchendale?
They were deadly and costly in terms of casualties
Who is Robert Borden
He was the prime minster of Canada in September 21, 1911
Robert Borden served as the Prime Minister of Canada during a significant period in the early 20th century.
What is the Triple Alliance?
Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy
The Triple Alliance was a military alliance formed in 1882.
What countries were part of the Triple Entente?
France, Russia, and Britain
The Triple Entente was a diplomatic understanding formed in the early 20th century.
Fill in the blank: The Triple Alliance consisted of _______.
Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy
Fill in the blank: The Triple Entente included _______.
France, Russia, and Britain
True or False: The Triple Alliance included France.
False
True or False: The Triple Entente was formed before the Triple Alliance.
False
What was the goal of The Black Hand?
Creating a greater Serbia
The Black Hand was a Serbian nationalist group that aimed to unite all Serbian territories.
Who led the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand?
Gavrilo Princip
He was a member of The Black Hand.
When was Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassinated?
June 28, 1914
The assassination took place in Sarajevo.
What event triggered World War I?
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Tensions between Austria-Hungary and Serbia escalated after this event.
What was Austria-Hungary’s response to the assassination?
Blamed Serbia for the assassination
This blame led to significant geopolitical tension.
On what date did Germany declare war on Russia?
August 1, 1914
This was part of the escalating conflicts leading to World War I.
When did Germany declare war on France?
August 3, 1914
This action was a continuation of Germany’s military strategy.
What country did Germany invade on its way to France?
Belgium
This invasion prompted Britain to declare war on Germany.
When did Britain declare war on Germany?
August 4, 1914
This decision was a direct response to Germany’s invasion of Belgium.
What is the Schlieffen Plan?
It was designed to win a war on 2 fronts
When and who made the schlieffen plan?
In 1905, German General, Alfred Von Sclieffen made the schlieffen plan
How was the schlieffen plan used?
In the European war, Germany would face France in the west and Russia in the east. Most of the French army was stationed on the border with Germany
What was the plan for the schlieffen?
THE PLAN: quick defeat of France (by invading through Belgium and quickly capturing Paris).
Was the schlieffen plan successful?
No, It turned to fight Russia
The invasion of belgium caused Britain to enter war
Instead of a quick victory, both sides were stuck in trench warfare
