World War I - Revision Pack Yr 8

Flashcards about WWI

What is militarism's role as a cause of WWI?

European powers were engaged in an arms race, particularly between Britain and Germany. Nations believed military power was the solution to international disputes.

How did alliances contribute to the outbreak of WWI?

The alliance system divided Europe into two major camps: the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria- Hungary, Italy) and the Triple Entente (Britain, France, Russia). This meant any conflict could quickly involve multiple nations.

What role did imperialism play in causing WWI?

Rivalries over colonies, especially in Africa and Asia, heightened tensions among European powers.

How did nationalism contribute to the start of WWI?

National pride and ethnic tensions (e.g., Slavic nationalism in the Balkans) contributed to instability.

What event triggered the start of WWI?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria- Hungary by Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist, in Sarajevo in June 1914.

What was the Schlieffen Plan?

Germany’s military strategy to avoid fighting a war on two fronts. It involved invading France through neutral Belgium, defeating France quickly, then moving forces to the Eastern Front to fight Russia.

Why did the Schlieffen Plan fail?

Belgium’s resistance delayed German progress. Britain entered the war due to the violation of Belgian neutrality. France was stronger than expected and halted German advance at the Battle of the Marne. Russia mobilized faster than anticipated, forcing Germany to divert troops to the east.

What were the experiences of soldiers in trench warfare during WWI?

Trenches were deep, muddy, and infested with rats and lice. Soldiers suffered from trench foot, shell shock, and exposure. Daily life was monotonous but dangerous, with threats from snipers, gas, and artillery. New technologies (machine guns, poison gas, tanks, aircraft) changed warfare but prolonged the conflict.

What roles did women take on during WWI?

Factories and munitions work (e.g., 'munitionettes'), transport (conductors, drivers) and agriculture, nursing and medical services (e.g., Voluntary Aid Detachments), administrative and clerical positions.

What were the social effects of WWI?

High casualties and trauma; entire generations lost, collapse of old social structures and class distinctions, rise in political activism and worker movements, increased demand for women’s rights.

What were the economic effects of WWI?

Massive war debts and economic strain on Europe, inflation and unemployment post-war, destruction of infrastructure and agriculture in war zones, shift in global economic power toward the USA.

What were the key terms of the Treaty of Versailles and its consequences?

Article 231 (War Guilt Clause) blamed Germany for the war. Germany had to pay heavy reparations (132 billion gold marks). Territorial losses: Alsace-Lorraine to France, and loss of overseas colonies. Military restrictions: no submarines, tanks, or air force; army limited to 100,000. League of Nations was formed to maintain peace. Many Germans saw the treaty as a 'Diktat' (dictated peace), leading to resentment and instability.

What were the long-term consequences of WWI?

Redrawing of national borders and creation of new countries (e.g., Poland, Czechoslovakia), collapse of empires: Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, Russian, and German, rise of fascism and communism (e.g., Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, rise of Hitler in Germany), set the stage for World War II due to unresolved tensions and harsh treaty terms, cultural and intellectual shift: loss of faith in progress, existentialist movements, foundation of international organizations like the League of Nations (though it was ultimately weak).