WW1 - Causes
Which event on June 28, 1914, is considered the immediate trigger for World War I?
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo.
What was trench warfare, and why was it used during World War I?
Trench warfare was a type of fighting where both sides dug extensive networks of trenches for protection. It was used because modern weapons, like machine guns and artillery, made open battlefield combat too deadly.
What was the primary purpose of propaganda during World War I?
The primary purpose of propaganda during World War I was to maintain public support for the war, encourage recruitment, boost morale, and portray the enemy in a negative light.
Who was the Cuban leader before the 1959 revolution?
Fulgencio Batista
When did Fidel Castro officially take power in Cuba?
January 1, 1959, after the overthrow of Fulgencio Batista.
Which countries were in the triple alliance
Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy
How did the Schlieffen Plan reflect Germany's fear of a two-front war, and why did its failure contribute to the outbreak of World War I?
The Schlieffen Plan was Germany’s military strategy to avoid a two-front war by quickly defeating France before turning to Russia. Its failure, due to Belgium's resistance and Britain's involvement, led to the prolonged stalemate on the Western Front, exacerbating the conflict.
How did World War I propaganda portray enemy nations?
World War I propaganda often portrayed enemy nations, especially Germany, as barbaric, evil, and a threat to civilization. This dehumanization aimed to justify the war effort and encourage patriotism.
What role did the United States play in Cuba's economy before the revolution?
The United States had significant economic influence in Cuba before the revolution, controlling industries such as sugar, tobacco, and mining. U.S. businesses owned large portions of Cuba's resources and infrastructure, which contributed to widespread economic inequality.
What were the key reforms implemented by Fidel Castro's government immediately following the revolution?
agrarian reform (land redistribution), nationalization of industries, healthcare and education reforms, and the elimination of illiteracy.
What was the name of the two conflicts from 1912 to 1913 that destabilized the Balkans and increased tensions among Serbia, Austria-Hungary, and Russia?
Balkan Wars
What impact did poison gas have on the strategies and conditions of World War I battles?
Poison gas introduced a new element of terror in warfare, forcing soldiers to wear gas masks and complicating battlefield conditions. It led to the development of chemical warfare strategies, though its overall effectiveness was limited due to advancements in protective equipment.
Explain how the concept of 'total war' applied to the homefront during World War I.
'Total war' during World War I meant that entire societies, not just the military, were mobilized for the war effort. Civilians were expected to contribute by working in war industries, conserving resources, and supporting the military through rationing, as well as enduring the economic and social impacts of the war.
"How did the corruption of Fulgencio Batista's regime contribute to the conditions that led to the Cuban Revolution?"
ties to organized crime and the embezzlement of public funds. His government failed to address the needs of the Cuban people, especially the poor, and catered primarily to wealthy elites and foreign businesses.
What was the significance of Che Guevara’s role in the Cuban Revolution and the establishment of the new government?
leading military strategist and ideologue. After the revolution, he held key government positions, including overseeing economic reforms, nationalizing industries, and promoting international revolutionary movements.
How did the July Crisis escalate into a world war, and what role did diplomatic miscalculations play in this escalation?
The July Crisis began with Austria-Hungary’s ultimatum to Serbia after Franz Ferdinand’s assassination. Diplomatic miscalculations, such as Germany’s blank cheque to Austria-Hungary and Russia’s mobilization, escalated a local conflict into a world war through the web of alliances.
What were the key factors that led to the failure of the German Spring Offensive by mid-1918?
The failure of the Spring Offensive was due to several factors: overstretched German supply lines, exhaustion of troops, lack of reserves, and stiffening Allied resistance bolstered by fresh American troops. The Germans also failed to capture strategically vital areas.
How did the role of women change on the homefront during World War I, and what long-term impacts did this have on gender roles?
Women took on jobs traditionally held by men, including working in munitions factories, as nurses, and in other wartime industries. This shift challenged pre-existing gender roles and contributed to the women's suffrage movement in many countries after the war, as women had demonstrated their capability in the workforce.
How did Cuba's history of U.S. intervention, including the Platt Amendment, shape nationalist and anti-imperialist sentiments before the revolution?
Cuba’s history of U.S. intervention, particularly the Platt Amendment, which allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs, fueled nationalist and anti-imperialist sentiments among Cubans. Many resented the U.S.’s control over Cuban politics and resources, and this foreign dominance became a rallying point for revolutionaries like Fidel Castro, who sought to free Cuba from foreign influence.
In what ways did the failure of the Moncada Barracks attack shape the future strategies of the July 26 Movement?
The failure of the Moncada Barracks attack was a turning point that shifted the July 26 Movement's strategy towards guerrilla warfare. Fidel Castro realized that a direct military assault on Batista’s forces was unlikely to succeed and instead focused on building a revolutionary movement in the countryside, using guerrilla tactics to slowly weaken Batista’s forces and build popular support.
Explain how imperialism heightened tensions among European powers before World War I
European powers competed for colonies, leading to conflicts like the Moroccan Crises of 1905 and 1911 between Germany and France. Imperial rivalries fueled suspicion and contributed to the overall tension that led to war.
What role did logistics, leadership, and morale play in the success of the Allied counteroffensive and the eventual defeat of Germany?
Allied logistics ensured a steady flow of supplies and reinforcements, while strong leadership, particularly by Marshal Foch, coordinated the multi-national forces effectively. Morale among German troops declined due to exhaustion, food shortages, and the growing realization of impending defeat, while Allied morale improved as the tide of war turned in their favor.
Discuss how governments used censorship and control of information to manage public opinion during World War I.
Governments used censorship to suppress news that might lower morale or provoke dissent, such as reports of heavy casualties or poor living conditions at the front. Newspapers and other media were tightly controlled, with only positive or government-approved narratives allowed to be published to ensure continued public support for the war.
How did the Cuban economy’s dependence on the sugar industry affect the country’s political and social stability before the revolution?
Cuba’s economy was heavily reliant on sugar exports, which made the country vulnerable to fluctuations in world sugar prices. This economic dependency created instability, as the economy boomed or suffered based on global market conditions. The concentration of wealth in the sugar industry also perpetuated social inequality, as the majority of profits were controlled by a few landowners and foreign companies, leaving the Cuban working class in poverty and fueling discontent.
How did the economic embargo imposed by the United States affect Cuba’s economic development and international relations?
The U.S. economic embargo significantly hindered Cuba’s economic development by cutting off trade, investment, and financial assistance. As a result, Cuba became heavily reliant on the Soviet Union for economic aid, which fostered close ties between the two nations during the Cold War. The embargo also isolated Cuba from much of the Western world, pushing it to seek alliances with other socialist countries.