WW1 Flashcards
What is militarisation
Policy of maintaining a strong military organisation in aggressive preparedness for war
What were the 2 alliance blocs
By 1914, Europe was divided into two alliance blocs - The triple Alliance (Austria Hungry, Germany and Italy) and the Triple Entente (France, Great Britain and Russia)
What is Imperialism
Practice of using military force to take over other countries and colonies. For powers, influence and resources
What was the first short term cause of World War 1
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdiand, he was assassinated in Sarajevo in Bosnia, appealed to the Austro Hungarians and was a threat to Serbian independence in the eyes of Gavrilo Princip, part of Black Hands society. Happened on 28 June 1914
2nd Short term cause of WW1
Balkan Wars in 1912 and 1913, Austria Hungary feared Serbian and Slavic strength
What was the 3rd short cause of war?
The July crisis: which started with Austria’s ultimatum to Serbia on 23 July 1914, causing Russia, allies with Serbia, to prepare for war. 28th July Austia declares war on Serbia. 30th and 31dt russia mobilises and Germany asks them to stop. 1st and 3rd August Germany declares war on Russia and France respectively and on the 4th they invade France through neutral Belgium, making Britain declare war on Germany as they had their Treaty of London in 1839
4th Short cause of war
The Schlieffen Plan was Germany’s war strategy, where to avoid fighting 2 fronts on the east and west, Germany wanted to quickly occupy France while Russia was still mobilising. Instead, they were caught in a trench stalament between the two fronts and resulted on the race to the sea
Describe the conscription debate
In the late 1916, AIF were all volunteers and they needed to start conscription. In July 1916, it was half of what it had been in march. There were pros such as Britain loyalty, defeating the “Huns” and support. While against were industrial workers, women’s peace army, aus peace alliance and no conscription fellowship.
In 1914, Billy Hughes of labour party, wanted to force people to fight due to lack of soldiers. He made a plebiscite (referendum) for this ideal which got barely rejected twice in 1916 and 1917. Every 20 year old man was at risk of conscription to world war or Vietnam war. 1972 conscription law ended 3 years before end of Vietnam war
Describe fromelles
It took place in 19-20th July 1916, where Australian soldiers on their first battle in the western front, had to distract and cut reinforcements to Germany in the south. However due to their machine guns and terrain advantage, they had 5533 casualties within hours. Greatest loss in 24 hours
Describe Pozières
The Australian First division captures the town of poziers on 23rd July 1916 , but fight for another 7 weeks. Resulted in 23000 causalities for Pozières and 32000 casualties for 10.5km of new land. Captured poziers and poziers heights
Describe the battle of Hamel?
On the 4th July 1918, Lead by John Monash, in 93 minutes, the Australians had taken all their objectives, advancing 2km on a 6km front. Germans lost 2600 men killed. Wounded. 1260 Australians and Americans killed or wounded. Tactics used for advances on 8th August that ended the war
