Alliances
What is the dual alliance
This two‑country alliance united Germany and Austria‑Hungary in 1879.
Which countries were typical militarist powers before the First World War?
Germany, Austria‑Hungary
What is the Nationalism
This feeling of strong pride and loyalty to one’s own nation is called this term.
Who is Franz Ferdinand?
He was the Austro‑Hungarian heir assassinated in Sarajevo June 28 1914.
What is the July Ultimatum?
This document was Austria‑Hungary’s strict list of demands sent to Serbia after the assassination.
What is the triple Entente?
: This 1907 agreement brought Britain, France and Russia together as the Triple Entente.
What is the Dreadnought?
This famous type of warship started a fierce naval arms race between Britain and Germany from 1906.
What is the Emperialism
The competition for colonies around the world between European powers is known by this word.
What is the Black Hand?
This Serbian nationalist terrorist group planned the Sarajevo assassination.
What is the Blank Cheque?
Germany gave this “blank” promise of full support to Austria‑Hungary in July 1914.
Why did alliance systems make a small regional conflict much more dangerous for Europe by 1914?
Alliances forced countries to join wars to support their partners; a fight between two nations could quickly draw in all of Europe.
How did militarism increase tension across Europe before World War One?
Governments glorified military power; large armies and war plans made leaders ready to choose military solutions instead of negotiation.
The competition for colonies around the world between European powers is known by this word.
Many different ethnic groups inside the empire wanted independence or self‑rule, weakening Austria‑Hungary’s control over its territory.
How did the two Balkan Wars of 1912‑1913 raise tension before 1914?
They strengthened Serbia, made Austria‑Hungary fear Serbian power, and created more conflict in the unstable Balkan region.
Why did Russia begin military mobilisation in late July of 1914?
Russia wanted to support its ally Serbia against Austria‑Hungary; mobilisation was preparation for possible war.
Compare the Triple Alliance and Triple Entente: which group was a flexible agreement, not a strict military promise?
The Triple Entente; it was friendly understanding, not binding defence treaty like the Triple Alliance.
Compare land‑based militarism and the naval arms race. Which one most directly threatened Britain’s security?
The naval arms race; Britain depended on sea control for trade and safety from invasion.
Compare imperialism and nationalism: which force created rivalry between European powers outside of Europe?
Imperialism; competition for overseas colonies created conflicts between Britain, France and Germany in Africa and Asia.
Compare the goals of Gavrilo Princip and Austria‑Hungary in the Balkans before 1914.
Princip wanted to free south‑Slav peoples from Austro‑Hungarian rule; Austria‑Hungary wanted to stop Serbian expansion and keep control over its Balkan lands.
Compare the responses of Serbia and Austria‑Hungary to the July Ultimatum.
Serbia accepted most but not every term; Austria‑Hungary used the partial rejection as an excuse to declare war on Serbia.
Make a judgement: Was the alliance system the most important single cause of WWI? Support your point.
Many historians argue alliances were a critical multiplier of war, but not the root cause; they turned the July Crisis into a continent‑wide war, but would not have created conflict without nationalism and militarism.
o what extent did military war plans push European leaders toward war in 1914? Use evidence.
Military plans such as Germany’s Schlieffen Plan forced fast mobilisation; once mobilisation began it was very hard to stop, pushing politicians into declaring war even if they still hoped for peace.
Imperialism; competition for overseas colonies created conflicts between Britain, France and Germany in Africa and Asia.
European ethnic nationalism was more important; it created instability in the Balkans, the direct spark of war, while imperial rivalries created anger but did not start the 1914 conflict.
Could World War One have happened without the assassination at Sarajevo? Defend your answer.
Long‑term tensions existed, but without this specific trigger there may have been no immediate crisis; some historians believe another crisis would eventually happen due to nationalism and alliances.
Who bears the greatest responsibility for the outbreak of war during the July Crisis? Support with evidence.
Germany’s Blank Cheque allowed Austria‑Hungary to choose war instead of negotiation; however Austria‑Hungary chose the harsh ultimatum, and Russian mobilisation accelerated conflict. Historians still debate the exact balance of blame.