M.A.I.N Causes
What is Imperialism?
When countries expand their power by controlling colonies and foreign lands.
What immediate event triggered World War I?
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Why were trenches effective for defense?
Protected soldiers from enemy fire
In what year did the First Battle of Marne take place?
1914
What year did the United States enter the war?
1917
Explain how nationalism contributed to conflict in the Balkan peninsula.
The people of Serbia wanted Bosnia to be free from Austria-Hungarian control, so they formed nationalist movements which created a sense of nationalism with their people. Ultimately this is what led to the Archduke getting assassinated.
Why did Russia mobilize after Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia?
To defend Serbia.
Explain why “No Man’s Land” was so dangerous.
Explain why “No Man’s Land” was so dangerous.
Why was the First Battle of the Marne important?
Stopped Germany’s advance; led to trench warfare
What was the sinking of the Lusitania? Why was it a big deal to America?
It was the sinking of a British passenger ship by a German submarine which killed about 1,198 civilians. It was a big deal to America because 128 Americans were killed.
Give an example of how militarism made war more likely.
Countries built large armies and had plans ready, so they acted quickly
What was the Schlieffen Plan?
Germany’s plan to quickly defeat France by going through Belgium, then turn and fight Russia—but it failed and led to a long stalemate in World War I.
How did trench conditions affect soldiers physically?
Disease, trench foot, injuries
How did new technology (like gas or tanks) change warfare?
Made war more deadly and unpredictable
Why was the Zimmermann Telegram so significant?
Germany tried to get Mexico to attack the U.S.
Why did alliances turn a small conflict into a large war?
Countries were obligated to defend allies, pulling many into war
What was the goal of the Schlieffen Plan?
Quickly defeat France before Russia
How did trench warfare affect soldiers mentally?
Shell shock, stress, fear, panic attacks
What was the Armistice? What were the terms included in it?
It was a temporary ceasefire agreement that took place on November 11th of 1919, which forced Germany to immediately evacuate occupied territories and to surrender vast amounts of heavy weapons and ships.
Who asked congress to declare war?
President Woodrow Wilson
What were the names of the two groups involved in the war? What countries made them up?
Central Powers: Germany, Austria Hungary, Ottoman Empire
Allied Powers: Serbia, Britain, France, Russia, and the United States.
Place the following events in order, including the year each happened: Battle of Verdun, Austria-Hungary declare war on Serbia, First battle of Marne, Second battle of Marne, Battle of Ypres, Battle of Somme, Russia pulls out of the war.
1914: Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia 1914: First battle of Marne
1915: Battle of Ypres
1916: Battle of Verdun
1916: Battle of Somme
1917: Russia pulls out of the war
1918: Second battle of Marne
Why did trench warfare lead to stalemate instead of victory?
Strong defenses made attacks fail; neither side could advance
Which document officially ended the war? What was stated in this document?
The Treaty of Versailles. It stated that Germany was to be blamed for the war, and they would have to pay the reparations. Land was also taken from Germany as well as limitations placed on their military.
What are the 3 ways the United States helped the allied powers during WW1?
1. Sending more troops
2. Supplies increase
3. Giving hope to allies