Causes
What were the two main objectives of The Bismarckian Alliance System?
Isolate France - France had lost Alsace-Lorraine to Germany in 1870 and might try to regain it.
Maintain equilibrium in the Balkans - Austria and Russia had opposing interest in the Balkans, which could lead to a war.
Who was assassinated on June 28, 1914, and why was he an important political figure?
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Name the countries that made up the "Central Powers" during the Great War
The Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria, Germany, and Austria-Hungary.
Describe in detail what 2 events occured in 1917 that marked a decisive turning point in the Great War?
The Bolshevik Revolution - The Russian front collapsed which caused Russia to withdraw from the conflict.
The United States joined the war on the side of the Allies - This gave them significant amounts of supplies and soldiers, which enabled them to win the war.
Approximately how many soldiers and civilians died during World War 1 from combat, disease, and starvation?
Which country suffered the highest number of casualties?
Between 15 and 20 million.
Germany suffered the highest number of casualties.
Name the members of the "Dual Alliance" (and later "Triple Alliance).
Dual Alliance - Germany & Austria-Hungary
Triple Alliance - Italy, Germany, & Austria-Hungary
Describe the "Black Hand" group.
The Black Hand group supported the creation of a "Great Serbia" free from Austrian rule.
Name the 10 countries that made up the "Allied Powers" during the Great War.
Italy, Romania, Greece, the United States, China, Japan, Britain, France, Russia, and Serbia
What 2 countries were involved with the "Treaty of Brest-Litovsk" ?
Germany and Russia
(peace)
Describe the material destruction that occurred during WW1. Where was the destruction the worst?
Towns, crop fields, and mines were destroyed.
The destruction was worst in northeast France, Belgium, and northern Italy.
Name the members of the League of the Three Emperors:
Germany, Russia, and Austria-Hungary
In response to the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, Austria-Hungary (backed by Germany) issued an ultimatum to ___________ (which country) ?
Was the ultimatum accepted or rejected?
Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia.
Serbia rejected the ultimatum.
Describe Germany's "Schlieffen Plan"
Was it successful?
Schlieffen Plan - attacks to Belgium (neutral), in order to defeat France quickly and then attack Russia.
It was not successful because the French stopped the Germans at the "Battle of the Marne"
The central powers surrendered in what order?
European debt was extremely high after the war. Why?
The war was expensive, and many countries borrowed money abroad, especially from the United States.
During the "Armed Peace" there were two military blocks. Name both Military blocks and identify which countries were members of the blocks.
Triple Alliance - Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy
and
Triple Entente - France, Britain, and Russia
Which country was fearful of Austro-Hungarian control of the Balkans, and therefore mobalised its military to support Serbia?
Russia
Describe the "Battle of Verdun" and the "Battle of the Somme".
Which countries were involved? Was either battle a success?
Battle of Verdun - The Germans tried to break through the western front.
Battle of the Somme - Britain tried to break the front.
The battles were not a success. Neither side advanced far despite the deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers.
When was the armistice between Germany and the Allies signed?
November 11, 1918
What were the three main goals of the Paris Peace Conference?
- To prevent the resurgence of Germany as a great power.
- To achieve a balance of power among the victors, especially in the Balkans and the colonies, in order to avoid potential conflict.
- To isolate Russia, where a communist regime had been established in order to avoid the spread of revolution.
During the "Armed Peace", mutual fears led to an arms race. Describe the arms race.
Arms Race - Almost every country increased the size of its army and manufactured new weapons.
Germany declared war on __________ and __________ , and on August 4th invaded Belgium (neutral).
To protect Belgium, _________ declared war on Germany.
(name the 3 missing countries)
Germany declared war on Russia and France.
To protect Belgium, Britain declared war on Germany.
(Russia, France, & Britain)
Describe the naval battles that occurred.
The British fleet patrolled the coast of Germany, and Germany counterattacked with submarine warfare.
Name the types of weapons that were used during World War 1.
Aviation - first used for observation missions, later machine guns and bombs were added to the planes.
Tanks - armoured vehicles with cannons and machine guns.
Submarines - The Germans used them to damage British trade.
Artillery and Chemical Weapons - New machine guns, toxic gases, and gas masks were used.
Why was the League of Nations created?
It was based on the 14 points proposed by which U.S. President?
Was it effective?
It was based on the 14 points proposed by the American president, Woodrow Wilson.
It was an international organisation to create a lasting and fair peace via diplomacy instead of war.
It was ultimately ineffective.