Vocabulary
A system of forced labor camps in the Soviet Union where political prisoners, criminals, and perceived enemies of the state were sent.
Gulag
How did nationalism contribute to the outbreak of World War I?
Groups within the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires wanted independence (e.g., Serbs in the Balkans), creating internal and regional instability.
What was the War Guilt Clause (Article 231).
Ensured Germany took full blame for the war.
What was the main purpose of the League of Nations?
To maintain international peace and prevent future wars through cooperation and diplomacy.
What were two major causes of the Russian Revolution?
Economic hardship and dissatisfaction with the government during World War I.
A council of workers, soldiers, or peasants in Russia that played a key role in revolutionary politics, especially during 1917.
Soviet
How did the war change political systems in Europe?
Several empires collapsed, including the Ottoman Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Russian Empire.
What were reparations in the Treaty of Versailles?
Germany’s army was limited to 100,000 soldiers, it could not have an air force, and its navy was heavily restricted.
Why did the United States never join the League of Nations?
The U.S. Senate refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles and join the League.
Which group took power in the second revolution later in 1917?
The Bolsheviks.
The Russian legislative assembly created after the 1905 Revolution to give citizens limited political representation under the Tsar.
Duma
What event directly triggered the start of World War I?
The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
Which territories did Germany lose after the treaty?
Germany lost territory in Europe and all of its overseas colonies.
What methods did the League use to try to stop conflicts between countries?
Negotiation, economic sanctions, and collective security agreements.
How did political repression contribute to revolutionary movements in Russia?
The lack of political freedom and harsh control by the monarchy increased opposition groups and revolutionary ideas.
A plan for peace proposed by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in 1918, aiming to prevent future wars and promote self-determination and international cooperation.
Fourteen Points
How did imperialism contribute to tensions before the war?
Competition between European powers for colonies and resources increased rivalry and conflict.
Why did many Germans resent the Treaty of Versailles?
Because it imposed harsh penalties, blamed Germany for the war, and caused economic hardship and national humiliation.
What was “collective security” in the League of Nations?
The idea that member nations would work together to protect each other from aggression.
What was one immediate consequence of the February Revolution?
Tsar Nicholas II abdicated, ending centuries of Romanov rule.
The capitalist or middle class who own the means of production and often hold economic and social power over the proletariat.
Bourgeoisie
How did World War I contribute to future global conflicts?
Harsh peace terms and unresolved tensions contributed to instability and eventually helped lead to World War II.
How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to future conflicts?
The harsh conditions created resentment in Germany, which later contributed to instability and helped lead to World War II.
Why did the League of Nations ultimately fail?
Because powerful countries ignored it, key nations were absent, and it lacked the ability to enforce its decisions.
How did the revolution lead to the Russian Civil War?
Opponents of the Bolsheviks fought to regain control of the country, causing a brutal civil war.