Marching Towards War
Prior to WWI, how had Europe managed to stay at peace for nearly 30 year?
Efforts to outlaw war and achieve peace had been gaining momentum – by the 1900’s hundreds of peace organizations were active and the peace congress met regularly.
What did Russia do as a result of the new German Kaiser allowing their treaty to lapse?
Formed an alliance with France- (Eastern and Western borders of Germany)
By 1914, what countries belonged to the Triple Entente Alliance?
Great Britain, France, and Russia
Why is the First Battle of the Marne considered the most important event of the war?
It made the Schlieffen plan impossible to carry out. with the French defeating the Germans the Russians had time to mobilize and invade Germany—forcing them to fight on both fronts.
What side did the Japanese support in WWI?
The Allies
What is nationalism?
A deep devotion to one’s nation
What did Germany do that cause Britain to worry enough to form alliances with both France and Russia (Triple Entente)?
Began a shipbuilding program to make the German Navy equal to the British Navy
What did Germany do as a result of Russian border mobilization?
Declared war on Russia and then two days later on France
What were conditions like in the trenches?
Horrible. The soldiers had to sleep in mud and trenches swarmed with rats, lice, and dead bodies.
Why did some colonial subjects volunteer to fight on behalf of their European rulers?
They hoped that their service would lead to independence.
What are some negative effects of nationalism?
A deep devotion to one’s nation.
Why were the Balkans known as the “powder keg” of Europe?
The countries there had a long history of nationalist uprising and ethnic clashes
Following Italy swapping sides, who made up the Central Powers?
Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria
Instead of expediting the war, what did the new weaponry and technology do?
Killed more people more effectively—weapons technology surpassed medical technology
What was unrestricted submarine warfare?
When German submarines (u-boats) would sink ships in the waters around Britain without warning, even if they were carrying civilians.
Along with the rise of nationalism, what else caused extreme rivalry among the European nations?
Competition for materials and territory and demands for independence from groups within the Balkans.
Why did Austria-Hungary oppose Serbian independence?
They feared the efforts to create a Slavic state would stir rebellion among its own Slavic people.
What does the “Western Front” refer to?
The region of Northern France that was landlocked bordering Belgium and Germany
What area was considered the Eastern Front?
Stretch of area between German and Russian border.
What “gamble” did Germany make when they returned to unrestricted sub warfare in 1917?
That their naval blockade would starve Britain before the US could mobilize.
What is militarism?
The policy of glorifying military power and keeping an army prepared for war.
What event prompted Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia?
The Assassination of Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand
What did the Schlieffen Plan call for?
Attacking and defeating France and then rushing to fight Russia before they had time to get their supplies to the front line. If successful, the plan would keep the Germans from having to fight on both fronts.
During WWI, how did Russia differ from other Western European nations and how did this difference affect their ability to fight?
It was un-industrialized, causing a shortage of food and resources.
What message was contained in the Zimmerman Telegram? Identify the sender and intended receiver.
Sent by Germany to Mexico, intercepted by Britain. Said if Mexico would join the German war effort Germany would aid Mexico in taking back the lands they lost to the US in the Mexican American War. (NM, AZ, TX)