Causes of World War 1
What was the immediate cause of WW1?
The shooting of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria by a Serbian Nationalist
Name 2 members of the Entente Powers
France, Britain, Russia, USA
What is a military draft?
When the government conscripts citizens to serve in the military
Describe how Trench Warfare was fought
Armies would construct defensive trenches to protect themselves while slowly trying to attack the other side with long range artillery and human wave tactics
What is the name of the treaty that ended the war
The Treaty of Versailles (1919)
What was the sinking of the Lusitania?
German submarines sank an American merchant vessel carrying food and weapons to the British
Name 2 members of the Central Powers
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire
How many people were drafted in World War 1?
5 million
What does the phrase "up and over" mean? How did this impact the soldiers involved
It was a common attack method where soldiers would climb out of the trench, run across no man's land and try to clear the enemy trench. Resulted in huge amounts of death
Why did America not sign the peace treaty that ended the war?
The Senate still held isolationist views on foreign policy, especially after getting involved in a European war
Describe the Zimmerman Telegram
Germany tried to get Mexico to attack the United States as a distraction. Britain intercepted the messaged and showed the American public
Describe the Domino effect as it relates to alliances in World War 1
When actions have unintended consequences. This can be seen through the series of declarations of war started by the assassination of the Archduke
What role did women play in the war effort?
They served as nurses, military clerks and worked in the factories making weapons of war
What is shell shock?
A mental disorder caused by consistent head banging from explosions and paranoia of being killed in the trench. Referred to as PTSD today.
What is the name of the international organization created after the war that was supposed to discuss problems instead of fighting wars?
The League of Nations
How did the Russian Revolution encourage the United States to join World War 1?
Russia was out of the war and the remaining Entente Powers were democratic governments. America could then state its goal for the war was to make the world safe for democracy
Why did America actively avoid joining the Entente while Russia was still fighting in the war?
Because Russia had an emperor and America did not want to be seen as supporting monarchies around the world
A government agency that directed private businesses to produce weapons of war instead of civilian goods
What were common problems soldiers faced while waiting in the trench for attack orders? (name 2)
Under threat of being hit by artillery/sniper fire, wet and unsanitary conditions led to disease, boredom, lack of daily food and water rations
Wilson argued that newly formed countries should have the right to self determination based on what two criteria?
Ethnicity/culture and language
Why did America favor France and Britain over Germany?
France = America's first ally who helped us gain independence
Britain = same culture and language.
Why did Germany have a hard time building its alliance network before World War 1?
As the newest superpower, other countries were suspicious of German intentions and did not trust them. Also, the were generally disliked by Western Europe and the USA due to competing imperialist goals
Private citizens purchased government bonds (aka loaned the government money) for use in producing war materials with the promise they would be paid back their principal plus interest overtime
How could an army improve their trench and why would they make the improvement you identified
Answers will vary - build floors, build sturdy walls, add barbed wire, add roofs, add bunk and bath houses behind the front line trench, add a telegraph station
Woodrow Wilson in his 14 Points says the age of what 2 ideas should be over after World War 1?
Imperialism and secret alliances between nations