World War I Flashcards
What was WWI?
A disastrous conflict that resulted in millions of deaths and massive financial costs. WWI was fought between the Central Powers and the Allied Nations.
What was the Central Powers made up of? What is another name for this group?
Germany, Austria-Hungary & Italy. Another name for the Central Powers was the Triple Alliance.
What was the Allied Nations made up of? What is another name for this group?
Britain, France & Russia. Another name for the Allied Nations is the Triple Entente.
What is the acronym for the causes of WWI?
MAIN + Spark = WWI
What does the ‘M’ stand for in MAIN?
Militarism:
-Advances were being made in military (more & better weapons)
-Larger and better trained national armies were in formation
-Strong military forces were being built up in preparation for the war
What does the ‘A’ stand for in MAIN?
Alliances:
-Agreements were made between nations to aid and protect one another approaching the war
What does the ‘I’ stand for in MAIN?
Imperialism:
-Massive competition amongst large European powers over the influence they held over certain colonies
What does the ‘N’ stand for in MAIN?
Nationalism:
-There was a huge desire for countries to be greater than their rivals
-An increased sense of pride or devotion to ones country around/during the time of WWI
What was the Spark that ultimately ignited WWI?
The assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Why was the assassination of the Archduke so monumental?
Ferdinands death escalated pre-existing tensions between European powers. A month after his death, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia (Gavrilo Principe was Serbian and the one who assassinated Ferdinand)
What was the Schlieffen Plan?
A plan put in place by Germany to invade France from behind by going through Belgium and then heading east towards Russia to defeat their troops. The Schlieffen plan ultimately failed and Germany was forced to fight a war on two fronts, which is ultimately what they were trying to avoid.
How was Italy able to avoid entering the war in 1914?
Although Italy was allied to Germany & Austria-Hungary, they avoided entering the war because they would only defend their alliances if it was a ‘defensive war’ and their treaty did not obligate them to do so. In May of 1915, Italy finally joined the conflict.
What was trench warfare, and why did it occur?
The majority of the fighting done in WWI was done in manmade trenches. The reason for these trenches was to enable soldiers to make advances on their opponents. They lived in these trenches 24/7 and this is a huge factor contributing to the war lasting 4 years.
How did armies attack the enemy during trench warfare?
They’d climb above their trenches and into a desolate area called “No Mans Land” which was surrounded by barbed wire. They would then charge across this landscape with their weapons, shooting those in range and the men who peered over the trench walls.
What were some of the hardships soldiers faced while in the trenches?
-A horrible stench composed of rotting flesh and poor hygiene practices
-Dead bodies everywhere
-Rats & lice
-Diseases and infections such as trench foot
What was the Battle of Somme?
Known as the ‘bloodiest’ battle that Canadians fought in during WWI. More than 24,000 Canadians were killed.
What was the purpose of the Battle of Somme?
To break through the stalemate (no sides were making any progress or advancements in the war) and gain progress over the German defensive lines.
What was the Battle of Ypres?
The first time in which chemical warfare (chlorine gas) was introduced to fight off the opposition. This battle is famous because of Flanders Fields.
What was the purpose of the Battle of Ypres?
To defend Ypres which had valuable road links and railways, that the Canadians did not want the Germans having possession of.
What was the Battle of Vimy Ridge?
A carefully planned battle where all 4 Canadian divisions fought valiantly in the trenches to capture the Pimple, Hill 145, and Vimy. This victory resulted in a newfound sense of national identity for Canada.
What was the purpose of the Battle of Vimy Ridge?
To gain a crucial vantage point that was occupied by the Germans, giving them higher ground. Canadians wanted to overtake this Ridge, gain the Douai Plain, and triumph over the Germans.
What was the Battle of Passchendaele?
Known as the ‘muddiest’ battle fought in WWI. This is where all Canadian divisions succeeded during some of the toughest conditions and most difficult challenges.
What was the purpose of the Battle of Passchendaele?
To wear down the Germans, and attempt to take over their railways and submarine bases.
What were Canadas Hundred Days?
An 100 day period where more than 100,000 Canadians advanced 130km, breaking the Hindenburg line, and ultimately catching the Germans off guard by their swift takeover.
