WWI Test Flashcards
*List and explain the 5 causes of WWI
Militarism- Nations wanted a more powerful military than their potential enemies. Growing power of armed forces left all sides ready to act at first sign of trouble.
Alliances- Allies; France, Britain, Russia. Central Powers; Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire. Each nation/alliance had equal strength. Made war more likely because if you had conflict with one nation, then you had their alliances coming after you too.
Nationalism- Countries had a strong devotion to their national group and culture. It was most visible in the Balkan Peninsula (they wanted their own nation) and it created lots of tension. Some thought their nation was much more superior than other nations so they were willing to fight to prove their strength.
Imperialism- Nations saw it as a quest to build empires. Each empire did not want others to gain power in which created rivalry among European nations. Bigger nations took over smaller nations.
Assassination- Murder of Archduke Ferdinand. Russia and Austria-Hungary wanted to control the Balkans. In 1908 Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia. Bosnians wanted freedom from Austria-Hungary to form a strong Slav state with Serbia.
What was the Black Hand Society, and what was its goal?
It was a secret society with links to the Serbian government and army. Its goal was the creation of an independent and Greater Serbia.
What countries were in A) Central Powers Alliance and B) Allied Powers Alliance?
A) Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire
B) GB, France, Russia, Serbia, Italy, America
- Italy started on the side of the Central Powers but switched sides to the Allied Powers later in the war.
What major challenge did Germany face at the beginning of WWI?
They had to face war on two fronts (Russia to east, France to west). GB declared war against them.
What major mistake did Germany make at the beginning of the war in their strategy against France? What was the result of this mistake?
They decided to make a quick strike into neutral Belgium in which led to GB declaring war against them.
America originally maintained a policy of neutrality in WWI. Explain what this concept means and what the benefits of such policy were. Finally, explain whether or not you think this policy was a good thing or a bad thing.
- The US didn’t want to intervene with other nations affairs. They wanted to stay away from choosing sides because it would keep them out of war.
- They were able to trade without conflict.
- I think it was a good thing because it helped with conflict and helped them continue to be able to trade safely.
What was the Schlieffen Plan? Was it successful? Why/Why not?
Germany was going to quickly defeat France and then strike Russia, however they didn’t even make it to France. This is because on their way to France, they quickly struck Belgium, which led to GB declaring war against them.
What was the Western Front and what came to define it?
The Western Front was known as the Deadlock region because it was a series of trenches dug by Germans and GB France along the Aisne River. (400+ miles of trenches across Belgium and France) The trenches made it difficult to launch offensives to gain land.
Explain the concept of trench warfare and some of the challenges that accompanied it.
A type of fighting during WWI in which both sides dug trenches protected by mines and barbed wire. Trenches made it difficult to launch offensives to gain land, however new weapons made it easier to kill enemies and defend a position. Rainstorms produced deep puddles and mud. Lice, rats, and bad sanitation caused major health issues resulting in many deaths.
What was ‘No-Mans Land’?
‘No-Mans Land’ was the area between trenches that no one owned. If you were seen there you were cut down by enemy guns. It existed so that opposing people could meet without hostility.
Explain the historical significance of the Battle of Verdun.
The Battle of Verdun was meant to kill and injure as many French soldiers as possible. There were 400,000 French casualties in 10 months of fighting. This battle was the longest and deadliest battle between French and Germans.
Explain the historical significance of the Third Battle of Ypres
The Third Battle of Ypres was a disaster for British and failed French offensives caused rebellion among French soldiers in spring of 1917
WWI ultimately became a stalemate. Explain what this means and why it occurred.
WWI became a stalemate because Germany’s plan completely collapsed and fighting against GB France in the trenches made it difficult to kill enemies and gain land.
Identify and explain at least three new weapons of WWI and their impact.
Poison Gas: poison gas was very commonly used and helped soldier weaken and kill their enemies. Poison gas also led to the use of gas masks.
Machine Guns: with high-explosive shells, machine guns had enormous destructive power. They were a very effective weapon and were widely used in WWI
Airplanes: At the beginning of the war, aircraft was used mostly for observation but soon had machine guns and bombs attached to them. They were very useful for attacking cities and battlefields.
What factors ultimately led to American entry into WWI?
1) Contents of the Zimmerman Note was revealed: Germany proposed Mexico attack the US in return for US land (Arizona, Texas, New Mexico). Germany hoped that the US would go to war with Mexico and stay out of war in Europe
2) Germany was found carrying 4,200 cases of ammunition and their decisions to continue German submarine warfare went against American merchant shipping and American cultural and historical ties to GB
