Causes
What is the Black Hand?
This secret Serbian nationalist group was behind the plot to assassinate Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
Name one way the end of World War I changed the political and social order in Europe.
Political Impacts
Social and Cultural Impacts
What was the biggest cause of death for soldiers in battle?
Arties
Why did the Treaty of Versailles create resentment in Germany?
It blamed Germany for the war, imposed heavy reparations, and restricted its military, fueling anger and a desire for revenge.
Why was Kaiser Wilhelm II’s leadership seen as contributing to Germany’s aggressive stance in WWI?
His militarism and erratic diplomacy escalated tensions and pushed Germany into a confrontational role.
Which nation declared war on which nation, following the assassination of F.F, marking the start of the escalation of the July crisis?
Austria-Hungary vs Serbia
In what way did the Russian Revolution during WWI alter the course of the conflict and global politics?
It led to Russia’s withdrawal from the war and the rise of the Soviet Union, introducing communism as a major global ideology.
How did German U-boats affect the naval war and international diplomacy?
They disrupted Allied supply lines but also caused neutral nations like the US to enter the war due to attacks on civilian ships.
Which important port city was ceded to Poland as a part of the post war treaty that cut off east Prussia?
Danzig
How did Woodrow Wilson’s ideals shape the goals of the U.S. at the peace negotiations?
Wilson promoted moral diplomacy and self-determination, influencing the creation of the League of Nations.
This term describes Germany’s aggressive foreign policy under Kaiser Wilhelm II aimed at turning Germany into a global power, often cited as a destabilizing force in Europe.
Weltpolitik
Why did the Austro-Hungarian Empire dissolve after WWI, and what new countries emerged from its collapse?
Nationalist movements and military defeat caused its breakup; successor states included Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia.
Why were tanks important in overcoming trench warfare, despite their early limitations?
Tanks could cross trenches and barbed wire, breaking stalemates, even though they were slow and prone to breakdowns.
In what ways did the postwar settlement create conditions that undermined democracy in Europe?
The economic strain and national humiliation caused by the treaties, especially Versailles, weakened democratic governments and gave rise to authoritarian movements promising restoration and strength.
How did Otto von Bismarck’s diplomacy before WWI influence the alliances and tensions that later shaped the conflict?
His complex alliance system aimed to isolate France and maintain peace but its collapse after his dismissal contributed to rising tensions.
What does the "blank cheque" refer to in the context of pre-WW1 diplomacy?
Germany’s support for Austria-Hungary during the July Crisis is often referred to by this two-word term that implied unconditional backing.
Despite its founding purpose, this organization struggled to enforce its decisions and maintain peace in the postwar world—what was one major reason for its ineffectiveness?
The absence of the United States and lack of military power weakened the League of Nations’ influence.
Schlieffen plan, short, quick mobile war to capture Paris, relying on Russia not mobilizing quick enough.
Why did many view the League of Nations as a weak peacekeeping body after the war?
It lacked enforcement power and the U.S. never joined, undermining its authority and credibility.
How did Lenin use WWI’s instability to advance the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia?
He capitalized on public discontent with the war to gain support and push for immediate peace and revolution.
What is Pan-Slavism?
This belief in the right of ethnic groups to have their own nation-states stirred unrest among Slavic populations under Austro-Hungarian rule.
How did the War Guilt Clause in the Treaty of Versailles affect Germany’s postwar situation and international relations?
It forced Germany to accept full blame for the war, leading to heavy reparations, territorial losses, and widespread resentment that contributed to WWII.
Propose why trench warfare have been a popular idea during WW1 opposed to more modern designs like the Schlieffen Plan?
Limited mechanization due to engine, fuel, terrain
Poor communications
Bad information gathering
Conservative doctrines
How did Wilson’s Fourteen Points differ from the actual peace settlements?
Wilson aimed for peace without punishment, but the final treaties prioritized punishment and national interests.
In what ways did Georges Clemenceau’s leadership impact the peace negotiations and France’s postwar goals
Known as “The Tiger,” he pushed for harsh penalties on Germany and prioritized French security and reparations during the Treaty of Versailles talks.