History WWI

History Test WWI Grade 10

What were the four long term causes of WWI? Be able to describe/define them all. 

Militarism: The idea that a country should have a strong military and be ready to use it. Before WWI, European countries were building up their armies and navies, causing an arms race and making war more likely.

Alliances: Countries made deals to help each other if attacked. Two main alliances formed: the Triple Entente (France, Britain, Russia) and the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy). These deals meant that if one country was in a fight, others would join in too.

Imperialism: Countries like Britain, France, and Germany competed to control colonies around the world. This competition for land and power caused tension and led to conflicts.

Nationalism: A strong pride in your country or ethnic group. Nationalism caused problems between countries and inside empires like Austria-Hungary, where different groups wanted their own independent nations.

Which countries were in the Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance?

Triple Entente (Allied Powers): France, Britain, Russia

Triple Alliance (Central Powers): Germany, Hungary-Austria, Italy (moved to Entente in 1915)

What was the spark that started the war? Who was involved?

On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Serbian nationalist group The Black Hand. Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia, leading to a chain reaction of alliance-based war declarations.

What was the Black Hand?

The Black Hand was a secret Serbian nationalist group that wanted to unite all Slavic people under Serbian rule. They used violence to fight against Austro-Hungarian control, and one of their members, Gavrilo Princip, assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

In what region are Serbia and Bosnia located?

Serbia and Bosnia were located in the Balkan Peninsula, a region in southeastern Europe, which is known for its complex history and ethnic diversity. 

What were the terms of the ultimatum?

Put down all nationalist hatred against Austria-Hungary.

Punish all those involved in the assassination plot.

Allow Austro-Hungarian officials into Serbia to help crush the black hand.

Did Canada have a choice to go to war? Why did they go?

Canada didn’t have a choice to go to war in 1914. Since it was part of the British Empire, when Britain declared war on Germany, Canada was automatically involved. Many Canadians also joined out of loyalty and a sense of duty to Britain.

Who was Sam Hughes?

Sam Hughes was Canada’s Minister of Militia and Defence during WWI. He helped organize and train Canadian troops, but his leadership was controversial. He made poor decisions, like choosing the Ross Rifle, which didn’t work well in battle.

Describe life in the trenches for a soldier.

Poor conditions: Mud, rats, lice, and dampness were constant problems.

Danger: Constant shelling, sniper fire, and gas attacks made life perilous.

Lack of hygiene: Many soldiers suffered from diseases like trench foot and dysentery.
Mental strain: The stress of constant danger led to conditions like shell shock.

Boredom: When not fighting, soldiers endured long periods of waiting with little to do.

What was shell shock?

Shell shock was a term used in WWI for the mental stress soldiers felt from the constant fighting. It caused trembling, nightmares, and nervousness. Today, it’s called PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).

What was a dogfight?

A dogfight was a close-air battle between fighter planes in WWI. Pilots tried to outmaneuver and shoot down enemy aircraft. Planes like the Sopwith Camel and Fokker Dr.I were often used in these fights.

How did the British protect their ships from German U-boats?

Convoy system: Groups of ships traveled together, escorted by warships to protect against U-boat attacks.

Depth charges: Explosive devices dropped into the water to destroy or damage U-boats.

Anti-submarine nets: Barriers placed around harbors to prevent U-boats from entering.

Improved radar and sonar: To detect U-boats underwater and give early warnings.

What happened in Halifax on December 6th, 1917?

The Halifax Explosion happened when two ships crashed in Halifax Harbour: the SS Mont-Blanc (a French ship with explosives) and the SS Imo (a Norwegian relief ship). The blast killed about 2,000 people, injured 9,000, and destroyed much of the city.

Why were Canadian farmers important to the war effort?

Canadian farmers were important to the war effort because they produced food like wheat, meat, and dairy to feed soldiers and civilians in Canada and Europe. Their work helped support both the military and allies overseas.

What was the War Measures Act?

The War Measures Act was a law in Canada that gave the government emergency powers during war or crisis. It allowed the government to:

• Control the economy

• Detain people without trial

• Censor news

• Take over property

How did the government pay for the war?

Raising taxes: including a new income tax in 1917.

Selling Victory Bonds: Canadians loaned money to the government and were promised repayment with interest.

Borrowing from other countries: especially Britain and the U.S.

What is conscription and why was it such a big issue in Canada?

Conscription means being forced by law to join the army. In WWI, it caused problems in Canada. English Canadians supported it to help win the war, but many French Canadians were against it because they didn’t feel close to Britain and were treated unfairly in the army. The Military Service Act of 1917 made things worse, causing tension between English and French Canadians.

How did Robert Borden make sure that conscription would be passed?

Passing the Military Voters Act: let soldiers overseas vote.

Passing the Wartime Elections Act: gave the vote to women with relatives in the war, but took it away from people against the war (like many immigrants).

Creating a Union Government: joined with pro-conscription Liberals to win the 1917 election.

What did women do during the war?

Nursing: Thousands served as nurses in military hospitals at home and overseas.

Factory work: They filled jobs in factories, making munitions and supplies for the war.

Volunteer work: Women helped by organizing fundraisers, supporting soldiers, and working with charities.

Serving in non-combat roles: Some worked as clerks, telephone operators, or in other support positions for the military.

How could the average Canadian support the war effort from the homefront?

Buying Victory Bonds: to help fund the war.

Rationing: limiting food and supplies to send to soldiers.

Working in factories: producing weapons, munitions, and other supplies.

Volunteering: helping in war-related organizations, like the Red Cross.

Supporting soldiers: writing letters, sending care packages, and fundraising.

What day was the armistice signed on?

The Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, marking the end of fighting in World War I. This day is now observed as Remembrance Day in Canada.

What countries were present during the treaty negotiations?

France, Britain, Italy, United States, and other countries including Canada who had a smaller influence.

What were the four major terms of the treaty?

War Guilt Clause: Germany had to accept full responsibility for the war.

Reparations: Germany had to pay massive reparations to the Allies.

Territorial Losses: Germany lost land, including colonies and areas like Alsace-Lorraine, which were given to France.

Military Restrictions: Germany’s military was limited to 100,000 troops, no air force, and no conscription.

Did the Germans have a choice when they signed the treaty? Explain.

Germany had no choice but to sign the Treaty of Versailles. The Allies forced them to agree to it or the war would continue. Germany wasn’t allowed to change anything and had to sign on June 28, 1919.

Was the Treaty of Versailles fair for all parties involved? Explain.

Germany: It was very harsh on Germany, making them take full blame for the war, pay large reparations, and lose land. Many Germans felt this was unfair and led to economic problems.

Allied Powers: Some Allies, especially France, wanted even harsher terms to make sure Germany couldn’t start another war. They felt the treaty didn’t do enough.

Other Countries: Countries like Italy were upset because they didn’t get as much land as they were promised, and colonized nations didn’t get fair treatment either.

No, the treaty was not fair to everyone; it caused anger and problems which contributed to WWII

Trench foot/mouth

Trench Foot: A painful foot problem caused by cold, wet trenches. Feet would swell, go numb, and sometimes get infected or damaged.

Trench Mouth: A bad gum and mouth infection from poor hygiene and stress. It caused bleeding gums, bad breath, and mouth sores, common in trench conditions.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. He was assassinated on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist. His death was the spark that started World War I, as it led Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia, triggering a chain of alliances.

Gavrillo Princip

Gavrilo Princip was a 19-year-old Serbian nationalist and a member of the group The Black Hand. On June 28, 1914, he assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife in Sarajevo. This act triggered the events that led to World War I.

Lusitania

The Lusitania was a British passenger ship sunk by a German U-boat on May 7, 1915. About 1,200 people died, including 128 Americans. The sinking made many people angry at Germany and helped push the U.S. closer to joining WWI.

Imo/Mont Blanc

The SS Imo was a Norwegian relief ship, and the SS Mont-Blanc was a French ship carrying explosives. On December 6, 1917, they collided in Halifax Harbour, causing the Halifax Explosion—the largest man-made explosion at the time. About 2,000 people died and 9,000 were injured.

War Guilt Clause       

The War Guilt Clause was part of the Treaty of Versailles. It said that Germany had to take full blame for starting World War I. This clause justified the harsh punishments Germany received, like paying reparations and losing territory. It caused anger and resentment in Germany.

ValCartier 

Valcartier is a military training camp in Quebec, Canada. It was quickly built in 1914 to train Canadian soldiers for World War I. Over 30,000 troops trained there before being sent overseas. It became a key part of Canada’s war preparation. 

Manfred Von Richthofen

Manfred von Richthofen, also known as the Red Baron, was a famous German fighter pilot in WWI. He shot down 80 enemy planes, making him the top ace of the war. He flew a bright red plane and was feared by Allied pilots. He was killed in 1918.

Nellie McClung 

Nellie McClung was a Canadian suffragist, author, and activist who fought for women’s rights, especially the right to vote. She was one of the "Famous Five" who helped women become legally recognized as "persons" in Canada. She played a key role in getting some Canadian women the right to vote during World War I.

Suffragist/Suffrage

Suffragist: A person who fights for the right to vote, especially for women.

Suffrage: The right to vote in political elections.

In WWI, many Canadian women became suffragists, helping win women’s right to vote in 1918.

Conscription

The government forces people by law to join the army. In WWI, Canada used conscription in 1917 to get more soldiers, which caused major conflict, especially between English and French Canadians.

Enemy Aliens

Enemy aliens were people living in Canada during WWI who were from countries Canada was at war with, like Germany or Austria-Hungary. They were seen as a possible threat, so many were watched by the government, faced discrimination, or were put in internment camps.

Billy Bishop

Canadian fighter pilot in WWI and one of the war’s top flying aces. He shot down 72 enemy planes, earned many medals, and became a war hero in Canada.

Ross Rifle

Canadian-made gun used by soldiers in WWI. It was accurate for target shooting but jammed easily in battle, especially in the mud of the trenches. Many soldiers hated it and preferred British rifles instead.