WWI Flashcards
What happened on June 28th, 1914
the Archduke and Archduchess visited Sarajevo and were assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Black Hand
What happened on July 23rd, 1914?
Austria sent an ultimatum to Serbia, giving them 48 hours to reply
What happened on July 25th, 1914? Why?
Serbia accepted 2/3 of Austria-Hungary’s ultimatum because they wanted independence from Austria
What happened on July 28th, 1914?
Austria declared war on Serbia as a result of Serbia not complying to the final part of the ultimatum
What happened on July 30th, 1914? Why?
Russia mobilized its troops at the Russian Border to aid Serbia. Russia feared its security of territory.
What happened on August 1, 1914? Why?
Germany declared war on Russia because of Germany’s alliance with Austria-Hungary
What happened on August 3rd, 1914? Why?
Germany declared war on France because Germany felt surrounded by the Triple Entente and wanted to aid Austria in the war.
What two events happened on August 4th, 1914? Why?
Germany invaded Belgium to give Britain time to prepare its troops to save the Belgians.
Britain declared war on Germany because they signed a treaty to protect the neutrality of Belgium
What is another event that happened on August 4th, 1914?
Canada joined the war as they were a part of the British empire
What promise did Austria secure from the Emperor of Germany leading to the war?
That Germany would stand beside Austria in the event of any war
Who was the Triple Entente? When did they come into alliance?
France, Russia, and Britain in 1907, agreeing to support each other if attacked by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy
Who was the Triple Alliance? When and why were they formed?
Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, forming in 1882.
Germany - being encircled by the Triple Entente
Austria - feared Russian Interference on their empire
Italy - promised French territory by Germany if they agreed to be an ally.
What is Militarism?
The belief in the power of strong armies to decide issues, leading to an arm’s race (Germany’s goal to build a navy capable to beat Britain)
What is Imperialism?
When countries expand for the purpose of resources, cultures, borders, or economics. (Britain had terriotires in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Pacific)
Or
A country’s way of gathering resources for profits such as coal or oil
What is Nationalism? Give me an example in WWI
A feeling of deep loyalty to one’s people and homeland, emphasizing the superiority of one’s nation over others. (Germany believing in the superiority of their culture and military)
Why were France and Germany enemies?
France and Germany were old enemies due to Germany humiliating France during the Franco-Prussian War
What happened on August 6th, 1914?
Canada offered Britain a force of 25,000 trained men
Define the ross rifle and it’s significance to the war.
The ross rifle was a good sharp shooting gun which was manufactured in Canada in 1905. The ross rifle was useless in trench warfare, jamming in mud and dirt.
Define the Franco-Russian agreement
France and Russia had become allies in 1894 due to Russia being insecure after a former treaty with Germany was not renewed
Who was the Canadian Prime Minister during WWI?
Robert Borden was the Canadian Prime Minister from 1911-1920, for the entirety of the war
Define the Black Hand and their plan against Austria-Hungary
The Black Hand was a Serbian terrorist group who planned to murder the archduke and then commit suicide.
Who was Sam Hughes? What was his significance to WWI?
Sam Hughes was a Canadian politician and Minister of Militia and Defence during WWI.
He was known for supporting the Ross Rifle, his management of military supplies, and his anti-conscription stance.
What were the reactions of French Canadians to the outbreak of the war?
Majority of French Canadians were divided with some supporting Canada’s involvement in the war and some opposing it. French Canadians felt a strong sense of Nationalism.
What were the reactions of English Canadians to the outbreak of war?
Majority of English Canadians supported Britain’s decision to go to war, demonstrating their loyalty to Britain
When and where did the first battle of Ypres start? What was it significance?
It started in October 22, 1914 in Ypres, Belgium, lasting a month. It was one of the first major battles of WWI and marked the beginning of trench warfare
What did the German troops do during the first battle of the Ypres? What are some obstacles they faced?
German forces attempted to break through the Allied lines and capture the city of Ypres, introducing posion gas. They faced strong and well-entrenched Allied defenses
Which force put up fierce resistance against German attacks and helped with artillery, British or French?
British
What did French forces do during the battle of the Ypres?
Defended the northern flank of the Allied position and launched counter-attacks
Which force defended the southern flank, and retreated to defensive lines during the first battle of Ypres, Belgian or british?
Belgian
What was the outcome of the first battle of the Ypres?
German’s advances to win over the city of Ypres failed, resulting in the successful victory of The Allies (British, French, and Belgian)
Where were the eastern and Northern battlelines located?
Eastern - Located between eastern Europe and Russia
Western - Western Europe (France, Belgium, Netherlands)
On what Battle did the German forces launch a surprise attack on Canada and Britain?
The 2nd battle of Ypres which occurred on April 22, 1915 and ended on May 25th, 1915 near Ypres, Belgium
Who won the second battle of Ypres, The Allies or Germany? Why was it significant?
The Allies won the second battle of Ypres. It was significant because it included the first large-scale use of poison gas in warfare, and the Allies adapted to new German tactics
When did the Battle of Somme occur? How did it start? What was the significance of the war?
It occurred on July 1st, 1916 when the Allied forces (British and French) launched a massive assault on German positions along the Somme River in France. The battle of Somme had over 1 million casualties and tanks and airpower were introduced. It ended on November 18, 1916.
When did the battle of Vimy Ridge occur? How did it start? What was the significance of the war?
It occurred from April 9-12 1917 due to Canadian Corps launching a surprise attack on German positions using trench raids. It was the first major Canadian victory in WWi and was a turning point in Canadian national identity.
When did the battle of Passchendaele occur? How did it start? Who won?
It occurred on July 31st, 1917 and ended on November 10th. British and Canadian forces launched a series of attacks on German positions in Ypres salient. The Allies (British and Canadian) troops won
What was the significance of the battle of Passchendaele?
It was one of the most bloodiest battles of WWI with over 400,000 casualties and weakened the German army, leading to their downfall.
What is the significance of the Treaty of Versailles?
Officially ended WWI and imposed harsh penalties on Germany (territorial losses, reparations, military restrictions)
What was the significance of the War Times Election Act?
Demonstrated the government’s efforts to adapt to the challenges of wartime
What was the signficance of Military Voters Act?
Allowed Canadian soldiers serving overseas to vote in federal elections, providing them with a voice in Canadaian politics
What was the signiificance of the Military Service Act?
Introduced conscription in Canada during WWI, required all male Canadian citizens between 18 and 45 to register for military service. (Not including farmers and clergy)
Describe the Trench System
Complex network of trenches which were protected by barbed wires and machine guns along the Western Front. They were often muddy and dirty and served as a base for launching attcks and defending.
How was the war financed? What were the consequences?
Governments issued bonds and loans and increased taxes on income and goods. These choices resulted in government debt and inflation
Define the Conscription Crisis
Canada faced a shortage of soldiers due to heavy casualties and declining enlistments, leading Borden to release the Military Service Act
Who were the Canadian Corps? Who were they led by? What battles did they fight?
A Canadian military formation that was formed in September 1915 in France, consisting of 4 divisions. They were led by General Julian Byng and Arthur Carrie. They fought Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, and Passchendaele.
