The First World War

Flashcards about the First World War, covering its timeline, involved countries, major fronts, and reasons for its global spread.

When did the First World War start and end?

The war started on 28 July 1914 and ended on 11 November 1918.

Why was it called the First World War?

Twenty-eight countries from all parts of the world were involved.

What event triggered the start of the war?

A Serbian gunman murdered the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary.

Which countries were known as the Central Powers?

Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and Turkey.

Which countries were the initial Allies?

The British, French, Belgians, Serbs, and Russians.

Which country joined the Allies in 1917 and helped them win the war?

The United States of America.

Where was the Western Front located?

Belgium and France in western Europe.

Where was the Eastern Front located?

Russia, Austria, and Romania in eastern Europe.

How did the First World War involve civilians?

Millions of people went hungry or starved because of the sinking of food supply ships.

Approximately how many soldiers and civilians died as a result of the war?

Ten million soldiers and twenty million civilians.

How were the six most powerful countries in Europe divided in 1914?

Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy were in one; France, Russia and Britain were in the other.

Why did the most powerful countries in Europe form alliances?

They had formed these alliances for self-protection.

Which countries went to war on 28 July 1914?

Serbia asked Russia for help. Russia agreed to help Serbia fight Austria.

How did Germany attempt to avoid fighting France and Russia at the same time?

The German army attacked France at its weakest point, the frontier with Belgium.

Which country declared war as a result of Germany invading Belgium?

Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August.

What was the extent of the British empire at the time?

Britain had an empire of fifty-six colonies and dominions scattered all over the world.

How did Japan help Britain in the war?

Attacking Germany's colonies in the Far East.

How could Turkey have helped Germany in the war?

By seizing the Suez Canal, Britain's vital shipping link with her colonies.

What offer did Britain and France make to Italy to join them?

Britain and France offered Italy land taken from Austria-Hungary.

Why did Bulgaria join the war on Germany's side?

Being promised land taken from Serbia.

Why did Romania join the Allies in 1916?

After being offered land captured from Austria-Hungary.

When did Greece join the war?

In 1916, the Greeks joined the fighting against Bulgaria.

Why did Britain accept Portugal's help in 1916?

By 1916, the war was still raging and Britain was exhausted.