WWI Causes: Short and Long-Term Flashcards

A comprehensive set of QUESTION_AND_ANSWER flashcards covering the key concepts of the lecture notes on the short- and long-term causes of World War I.

What caused the world to go to war in 1914 according to the lesson notes?

A combination of long-term causes (militarism, alliances, imperialism, nationalism) plus the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the July Crisis that followed.

Name the four MAIN long-term causes of World War I.

Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism.

Define Militarism as it relates to WWI.

The belief that a country should have a strong army and be ready to use it, often with heavy spending on weapons and viewing war as a solution.

Which nations were highlighted as militaristic in the years before WWI?

Germany, Britain, and France.

How did militarism contribute to WWI?

It fueled an arms race, high military spending, and a belief that quick victory could be secured with a strong military; militarism also faced opposition from Socialists like Karl Liebknecht.

Define Alliances in the context of WWI.

Agreements to support each other if attacked, which could drag many countries into war.

What were the two major alliances by 1914?

Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) and Triple Entente (France, Britain, Russia).

How did alliances help cause WWI?

If one country went to war, its allies were obliged to fight, creating a domino effect that pulled many nations into a global conflict.

Define Imperialism as it relates to WWI.

A system where powerful nations occupy, control, and exploit colonies for land, labor, and resources to profit the empire.

How did imperialism contribute to WWI?

Rivalry over colonies and empires increased tension and hostility among nations, making expansion and conflict more likely.

Why did imperialism create tension among Britain, France, and Germany?

Competition for colonies and influence heightened antagonism over global power and resources.

Define Nationalism.

Strong pride in one's nation and the belief in its special status, independence, and power.

How did nationalism contribute to WWI?

Fueled support for war, especially in the Balkans where ethnic groups sought independence, increasing regional tensions.

What immediate event is linked to nationalism and sparked WWI?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

When and where did the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand take place?

June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand?

Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist.

When did World War I begin and end according to the notes?

Began in 1914 and ended in 1918 (Treaty of Versailles cited as the ending document).

What is the ‘spark’ that lit the powder keg of WWI?

The assassination in Sarajevo in 1914, in the Balkans, which triggered a chain of mobilizations and declarations of war.

What was the ‘July Crisis’?

A month-long period of ultimatums and mobilizations after the assassination that led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia and subsequent declarations of war by other nations.

Which country did Russia aim to aid during the crisis?

Serbia.

Which country did Germany back during the crisis?

Austria-Hungary.

Which countries formed the Triple Entente?

France, Britain, Russia.

Which countries formed the Triple Alliance?

Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy.

Which additional nations are listed as part of the Triple Entente in the notes?

Serbia, Japan, Australia, USA.

Which additional country is listed as part of the Triple Alliance in the notes?

Bulgaria.

What is the difference between a long-term cause and a short-term trigger of WWI?

Long-term causes are underlying structural factors (militarism, alliances, imperialism, nationalism) that developed over decades, while a short-term trigger (e.g., assassination) directly sparked the outbreak.

What ending treaty imposed penalties on Germany after WWI, as described in the notes?

The Treaty of Versailles.

Why might Australia have joined WWI according to the map-based activity?

Because Australia was part of the British Empire and participated as part of the Allies.

What does nationalism encourage in terms of political aims?

A belief that one’s nation is special and should be independent and powerful.