War

Question 1

Define ‘Total War’

Answer 1

When a country uses all of its human, economic and military resources to fight the war and ensure complete victory. Ex: conscription, civilian war effort, gov. control of economy and media, targeting civilians, using all weapons.

Question 2

Define ‘Limited War’

Answer 2

The idea of limiting or constraining the way which war is conducted. Ex. confined geography for fighting, limited targets to attack, limited use of weapons, limiting mobilisation. . Characteristic of wars in 19th century. necessary for superpowers post 1945 to prevent nuclear war.

Question 3

Civil War

Answer 3

conflicts fought between two factions or regions of the same country. Clash can be due to ethnic, religious, political or idealogical differences. Combatants are called incumbents or insurgents

Question 4

Guerrilla warfare

Answer 4

‘unconventional warfare’ small groups of fighters use tactics such as ambush and small unit raids against a larger, less mobile army. post 1945 this was employed by Asia and Africa to free from colonial rule. during cold war, conflicts were always meddled with by larger superpowers. also guerrilla warfare fit ideology of Marxism. Guerrilla warfare is good against democracy, in places with technology and publicity.

Question 5

What was the effect of the Franco-Prussian war on France?

Answer 5

France lost Alsace-Lorraine, 5 billion marks (fully paid before Prussia left), Prussian vitory march trough Paris, socio-economic problems, a desire for revanche

Question 6

What was the effect of the Franco-Prussian war on Prussia?

Answer 6

39 separate German states were conglomerated into Austria and Prussia by Otto von Bismarck. Germany became an international power. Idea that modern technology made wars short

Question 7

What was Germany like in 1900?

Answer 7

A democratic monarchy, strongest industrial power in Europe. large working class and tension between them and middle class. landowning class promoted militarism, the Kaiser and were against liberal democracies. Germany desired an overseas empire but was initially timid because globe had already been divvied up.

Question 8

What was France like in 1900?

Answer 8

democratic republic, agricultural economy, large wealthy empire, split between pacifists and revanche. lots of short lived governments

Question 9

What was Britain like in 1900?

Answer 9

parliamentary democracy with limited monarchy, vast overseas empire, used to be no. 1 economic power but in decline. working class discontent (managed). large navy, looking for allies, revising ‘splendid isolation’ policy, wanted to defend Indian trade routes

Question 10

What was Austria Hungary like in 1900?

Answer 10

dual monarchy - very inefficient. poor military, internal disputes due to nationalism. Fear of Slav nationalism following demise of Ottoman Empire therefore AH strived for containment of Habsburgs. No cohesion between varied ethnic groups.

Question 11

What was Russia like in 1900?

Answer 11

Divine monarchy, industrialisation but a lot of peasants still. Lots of discontent exploding in 1905 revolution. Fail of Crimean and Russo-Japanese war - Russia lacked military strength. Very populous. Encouraged Slav nationalism.

Question 12

What was the Ottoman Empire like in 1900?

Answer 12

‘sick man of Europe’ Sultan undermined by Islamic revolts. exploited by other powers for economic interests.

Question 13

What was the Eastern Question?

Answer 13

What to do with decaying Ottoman Empire. fear of power vacuum and conflict. West tried to prop up Turkey and modernise it. Russia wanted self government for the Balkan states but Austria-Hungary opposed this.

Question 14

What was Bismarck’s web of alliances?

Answer 14

Bismarck attempted to avoid two-front war by allying with Russia and consolidate position in Europe and isolating France. Three Emperors League (1873), Dual Alliance (1879), Three Emperors Alliance (1881), Triple Alliance (1882), Reinsurance Treaty (1887)

Question 15

What was Weltpolitik?

Answer 15

When Wilhelm II came to power 1881, he wanted to make Germany a colonial power to unite discontented Germans. Bismarck’s alliances fell apart, France allied with Russia (Franco-Russian Alliance, 1894) and Germany faced war on two fronts.

Question 16

What is Social Darwinism?

Answer 16

application of Darwin theories to nations by Herbert Spencer. Believed that the stronger nations were destined to evolved the weaker countries and this was natural. War was evolution.

Question 17

Why did European nations expand into Africa and Asia?

Answer 17

originally for economic reasons (cheap raw materials, new market, low cost labour forces) eventually was fuelled by ideas of doing ‘God’s Work’ with Social darwinism and also nationalistic competition.

Question 18

What was the ‘Great Game’?

Answer 18

intense rivalry between Britain and Russia between 1813 and 1907 because Britain feared losing India to Russia via an invasion via Afghanistan. Britain used Afghanistan as a buffer.

Question 19

Why did Britain revise their policy of ‘Splendid Isolation’?

Answer 19

Britain clashed with France over Sudan (eventually settled with an entente) and Germany was challenging Britain in terms of Naval force. Having Russia as an ally was nice as well because it encircled Germany

Question 20

What was Tirpitz’s risk theory?

Answer 20

Admiral von Tirpitz believed that if Germany built enough ships, then Britain would be so fearful that she would be inclined to avoid conflict and even seek an alliance, allowing Germany to pursue weltpolictik. This didn’t work and Britain just made more allies and modernised its army while turning public opinion against Germany.`

Question 21

What was the problem with the HMS Dreadnought?

Answer 21

It was so powerful that it made other battleships obsolete, effectively bring the naval race back to square one. Triggered naval scare in 1908-9. This also turned British public against Germany

Question 22

What was Turkey’s concern over the Balkans in 1900?

Answer 22

Turkey was largely ineffective and unimportant. They struggled to hold onto remaining Balkan territories.

Question 23

What was Austria-Hungary’s concern over the Balkans in 1900?

Answer 23

Their multiethnic population wanted to break away and form a South Slav Kingdom with their neighbour, Serbia. Ergo, Austria Hungary despised Serbia

Question 24

What was Russia’s concern over the Balkans in 1900?

Answer 24

Russia really desired to keep the warm water port of Constantinople. Also they sympathised with the Slavs and saw themselves as the champion of the Slav people. Hoped to benefit from downfall of Turkey.

Question 25

What was the effect of the assassination of King Alexander of Serbia in June 1903?

Answer 25

he was pro Austria but the replacement, King Peter was pro-Russia. This scared Austria-Hungary so they began a tariff war 1905-06 and then starting building up their military to scare Serbia.

Question 26

What were the short term causes of WWI?

Answer 26

Moroccan Crisis (1905), Bosnian Crisis (1908), Agadir Crisis (1911), First Balkan War (1912), Second Balkan War (1913) July Crisis (1914)

Question 27

What was the Moroccan Crisis?

Answer 27

(1905) Germany tried to expose the empty promise that Britain made to back French invasion of Morocco. Germany offered to assist Sultan of Morocco and forced the French to hold a conference in Spain in 1906. Britain backed France and no one supported Germany.

Question 28

What was the effect of the Moroccan Crisis?

Answer 28

Weltpolitik looked like a failure and German pride hurt; Germany accidentally strengthened Entente Cordial; Germany raised possibility of war so several states now considered it to be a near end to the atmosphere of peace; Germany now viewed as threat to British interests.

Question 29

What was the cause of the Bosnian Crisis?

Answer 29

Germany feared being encircled following Anglo-Russia Entente of 1907 so she formed a close relationship with the Triple Alliance.

Question 30

What was the Bosnian Crisis?

Answer 30

(1908) Young turk revolution spurred Austria to annex Bosnia and Herzegovina which caused outrage in Serbia (because they wanted it to be part of Serbia). Austrian diplomat and Russia Foreign minister had agreed but Austria did it too early causing Russia to withdraw agreement. Germany rushed in to support Austria following rumours of war. Russia was alone and had to accept German ultimatum. Serbia had to back down as well.

Question 31

What was the result of the Bosnian Crisis?

Answer 31

Russia was once more humiliated - now they really felt the need to prove themselves; Serbia was enraged and became more nationalist; AH-Germany relations strengthened; Russia and AH were officially not being diplomatic; Germany officially encouraged AH expansion.

Question 32

What were the causes of the Agadir Crisis?

Answer 32

May 1911, France sent troops to Morocco under request of Sultan to suppress revolt. Germans saw this as a takeover and sent a gunboat (panther) hoping to pressurise France into giving them compensation (‘gunboat diplomacy’)

Question 33

What was the Agadir Crisis?

Answer 33

Germans made claims that were too ambitious (whole of French Congo). British mistook this as threat of war thus Lloyd George gave Mansion House Speech to warn Germany. Franco-German crisis became Anglo-German crisis. Germany had to accept a very small amount of compensation

Question 34

What were the results of the Agadir Crisis?

Answer 34

German public critical of government, failure of Weltpolitik. British French Entente strengthened; Britain committed to defence of France in 1913. Hostility between Germany and Britain.

Question 35

What were the causes of the First Balkan War?

Answer 35

Russia encouraged Serbia, Greece, Montenegro to form a Balkan alliance to destroy the already-weak Turkey by annexing Macedonia.

Question 36

What was the First Balkan War?

Answer 36

(1912) Austria terrified of strong Serbia, called war. (fear of Russia supporting Serba and starting general war) Edward Grey called for peace conference

Question 37

What were the results of First Balkan War?

Answer 37

Former Turkish states divided up between Balkan States. Austria had Albania to contain Serbia which caused resentment.

Question 38

What were the causes of the Second Balkan War?

Answer 38

Disagreement over spoils of First Balkan War (1912). Bulgaira felt that there were too many Bulgarians living in areas given to Serbia and Greece. (Macedonia and Solonika)

Question 39

What was the Second Balkan War?

Answer 39

(1913) Austria was aggressive and asked for German assistance (fearing Serbia asking for Russian assistance). Germany urged restraint. Bulgaria ultimately defeated and lost nearly all gains in Treaty of Bucharest (1913)

Question 40

What were the results of the Second Balkan War?

Answer 40

Serbia became even more nationalist, doubled in size, proved itself militarily (200K men). Russia felt encouraged to stand by ally. AH assured that they needed to crush Serbia. Germany was humiliated and drew closer to AH.

Question 41

What other developments were there 1900-13?

Answer 41

The will to make war (nationalism, media obsessed with war). Deterioration of International Relations (all those crises). Arms race (Europe increased by 300% 1870-1914, conscription). Failed Hague conferences. Everyone had war plans (Schlieffen Plan, France Plan 17, AH plan R and plan B)

Question 42

What was the Schlieffen Plan?

Answer 42

Schlieffen calculated it would take Russia six weeks to mobilise so to avoid a two front war they would swiftly move through Belgium to capture Paris then move troops to the western front to fight Russia. modified in 1911 by Moltke but still very inflexible and poorly calculated. `

Question 43

What was the July Crisis?

Answer 43

(1914) Gavrilo Princip of Serbian Black Hand terrorist group, assassinated Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand on a visit to Sarajevo, Bosnia. Unclear of the involvement of Serbian government (head of Black Hand was a Serbian colonel)

Question 44

How did Austria react to the July Crisis?

Answer 44

Austria saw it as an opportunity to crush Serbia. Fear of Russia, so asked for support from Germany before proceeding. Germany issued ‘blank cheque’ and did not try to restrain AH. Bechtold sent extremely severe ultimatum (so that it would never be accepted). This created a delay. ultimatum sent July 23 with response required in 48 hours.

Question 45

What was the effect of Austria’s delayed response?

Answer 45

(delayed due to creation of ultimatum and the French presidents trip to Russia) no longer viewed as a reaction, considered more calculating. Serbia was conciliatory, Russia shocked.

Question 46

How did the start of WWI play out?

Answer 46

After sending the ultimatum, and receiving a response (which negated the cause for war clause) AH still declared war on Serbia. Russia ordered general mobilisation 30 July. Germany declared war on Russia, August 1. Asked France for neutrality (reply with ‘own interests’) Germany declared war on France 3 August. Britain declared war on Germany 4 August for invading Belgium.

Question 47

What was Germany’s responsibilities for the beginning of the war?

Answer 47

issuing Austria the ‘blank cheque’, declaring war on Russia (1 August), violating Belgian neutrality, Invading France, bringing Britain into conflict.

Question 48

What was Germany’s motives for getting involved in the Third Balkan Crisis?

Answer 48

Had to support ally, AH. avoid being crushed by Entente. Russia’s army was more modern which could undermine Schlieffen Plan. War was unifying. Generals believed war to be inevitable, this a good time. improve popularity of Kaiser.

Question 49

What was Austria-Hungaries contribution towards the development of the WWI?

Answer 49

Exaggerated political threat of Serbia in a determined effort to start war. Delayed response to assassination. Declared war on Serbia on July 28 after only five days of the ultimatum (which initially was 48 hours). Refused to halt military actions even though negotiations were scheduled for July 30.
Austria saw the Sarajevo incident as an opportunity to eliminate the Serbians.

Question 50

What was Russia’s contribution towards the development of WWI?

Answer 50

Didn’t try to restrain Serb Nationalism. Supported Serbia which encouraged them to reject ultimatum. Mobilised, triggering the war.
Russia feared a general war in the ultimatum and didn’t want to appear weak as in other Balkan crises. General mobilisation on July 30

Question 51

What was France’s contribution towards the development of WWI?

Answer 51

France feared a war following 1871 but when Russia mobilised without consulting the French and Germany declared war on France, France was swept in.
The were responsible for supporting Russia before the July Crisis

Question 52

What was Britain’s contribution towards the development of WWI?

Answer 52

Ambiguous position during July Crisis. Foreign Secretary Edward Grey wanted to declare war but parliament was mixed. Thus didn’t assure that it would stand ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ with French, deterring them from pursuing the Schlieffen Plan. Also had naval talks with Russia in 1914 leading Germany to believe that the ring of encirclement was complete. Violation of 1839 Belgium treaty gave grounds for declaring war.

Question 53

Why was WWI considered a Total War?

Answer 53

Both sides fought not for limited aims but total victory.
Governments employed all weaponry possible in their disposal.
Civilians attacked, economically affected, women went to work
Governments developed new ways of controlling economy and population.

Question 54

How were the aims of the belligerents total?

Answer 54

Germany’s aims in the September Memorandum. France wanted Alsace-Lorrain. GB and France also wanted to crush ‘Prussian militarism’. Propaganda on both sides demonised enemy, justified war, reinforced nationalism making swaying the public opinion difficult in the case of a compromise. Despite calls for peace from Lenin, the Pope, Lord Lansdowe, both sides maintained that they could win and win completely.

Question 55

What was the September Memorandum?

Answer 55

In September 1914, Bethmann-Hollweg promised ‘security for the German Reich in the east and west for all imaginable time’ via the use of territorial expansion (creation of Mittelafrika by taking colonies in central Africa, directly annexing parts of Belgium, Luxembourg and France, creation of a customs union to control a lot of Europe, making Russia give self-determination to nationalities) and economic control (naval command weakening Britain, economic domination of Africa). These aims made peace very difficult to reach.