WWI

Question 1

Evaluate the contributions made by civilians on both the homefront and the battle front. To what
extent would you agree with the claim that the battle was won and lost at home?

Question 2

In what ways and to what extent were Germany and Austrian policies responsible for the outbreak of
the Great War? Be sure to consider actions and events in your response..

Question 3

“The Great War has often been termed “The Grand Illusion”. Examine the ways in which the
Great War shattered the beliefs and views of war that had previously existed.”

Question 4

"Wars may be started by a single incident. They are never caused by such an incident." With
reference to the Great War, examine how several causes as opposed to one single event led to the
outbreak of war in 1914.

Question 5

Consider the causes of the Great War, to what extent could it be argued that the Great War had the war
been determined a decade before it even began?

Question 6

'Germany must bear the ultimate responsibility for the outbreak of the First World War.' How far do you
agree with this judgment?

Question 7

Examine the nature and causes of the stalemate that occurred on the western front. TWE were the
nations of Europe successful in attempting to overcome the stalemate?

Question 8

Examine how Serbia and the events of 1914 led to the outbreak of a World War. Why was the Balkan
region so volatile prior to the outbreak of war?

Question 9

What were the outcomes of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71? How did these outcomes shape late
19th and early 20th century European relations?

Question 10

Bismarck famously said that a European war would start from “some damn foolish thing in the Balkans”.
What “foolish things” happened in the Balkan region in the decade beforeWorld War I – and how did
this region become a source of tension that led to the outbreak of war in 1914?

Question 11

“Kaiser Wilhelm II was more responsible for the outbreak of World War I than any other individual
leader.” To what extent is this statement true?

Question 12

In the early 1900s manybelieved England and Germany had much in common and should have been
allies, not antagonists. What were the sources or reasons for Anglo-German tension prior to 1914?

Question 13

It is often said that the alliance system made a major war inevitable. Did alliances alone compel
European nations to war after June 1914 – or were other factors involved?

Question 14

Compare the Western Front and Eastern Front as theatres of war. What were the similarities and
differences in warfare on these two fronts?

Question 15

“World War I generals used 19th century battlefield strategies against 20th century equipment.” Discuss
and evaluate this claim and the impact this had on the conduct of war.

Question 16

Examine the significance of the war at sea. How did naval power and the war at sea help shape and
determine the outcome of the war.

Question 17

Examine the significance of the war at sea. How did naval power and the war at sea help shape and
determine the outcome of the war.

Question 18

The United States must be neutral in fact as well as in name during these days that are to try men’s souls
Examine the reasons for US involvement in the Great War. To what extent was this the turning point for
the Allies in the war?

Question 19

Compare and contrast the objectives and approaches of the ‘Big Three’ (Wilson, Lloyd George and
Clemenceau) at the Paris peace talks. To what extent were the objectives achieved?

Question 20

Examine the effects of the Great War - both immediate and long term. How and in what ways did the
Great War shatter old order Europe geopolitically, politically, socially, economically and culturally?

Question 21

…we were very stupid men…the treaties imposed upon our enemies were neither just nor wise.
To what extent would you agree with the assessment that the treaties created in the aftermath of the
Great War were “neither just nor wise.” Explain with specific reference to treaties created.