WW1 Study Guide

What are the M.A.I.N. causes of WWI?

Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism — the main factors that created tension leading to war.

Who were the Great Powers?

The dominant countries in Europe before WWI: Britain, France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and later Italy.

What was the Franco-Prussian War and how did it affect WWI?

A war between France and Prussia (1870-1871); it led to German unification and left France seeking revenge, contributing to WWI tensions.

What is the difference between the Triple Entente and the Central Powers?

The Triple Entente (France, Russia, Britain) were allies opposing the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria) during WWI.

Who are the Allied Powers?

The countries fighting against the Central Powers: France, Britain, Russia, later joined by Italy, the U.S., Japan, and others.

Why was the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand so impactful?

It triggered Austria-Hungary’s declaration of war on Serbia, sparking the chain reaction that led to WWI.

What was the Schlieffen Plan? Why did it fail?

Germany’s plan to quickly defeat France then fight Russia; it failed due to Belgian resistance and Russia mobilizing faster than expected.

What was the Armenian Genocide? Why did it occur? What are the long term effects?

The Ottoman Empire’s systematic killing of Armenians (1915-1917) due to nationalist paranoia; long-term effects include the death of ~1.5 million Armenians and ongoing historical disputes.

How did the Eastern Front and the Western Front differ?

The Western Front had trench warfare and stalemate in France/Belgium; the Eastern Front was more mobile, spanning Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia.

What was the Gallipoli Campaign? Why was it important?

An Allied attempt to take the Ottoman Dardanelles (1915-1916); it failed but boosted Turkish nationalism and the ANZAC legend.

What key events occurred in 1917?

The Russian Revolution, U.S. entry into WWI, and intensified battles on both fronts.

What was the Zimmerman Telegram? Why was it important?

A German message to Mexico promising U.S. territory if they joined Germany; its interception helped push the U.S. into war.

How did WWI affect the homefront?

Rationing, propaganda, women entering the workforce, and social/economic changes.

What was DORA?

Defence of the Realm Act (UK) giving the government emergency powers, including censorship and control of resources.

How were women affected?

Women took on jobs in factories, offices, and hospitals, gaining social and economic roles previously denied.

What was the role of propaganda? What objectives did it fill?

To boost morale, recruit soldiers, promote war bonds, and maintain public support for the war effort.

What was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk? What were the effects?

Peace treaty between Germany and Russia (1918); Russia exited WWI, lost territory, and allowed Germany to focus on the Western Front.

How is the Influenza Epidemic connected to WWI?

The 1918 pandemic spread rapidly among soldiers and civilians, killing millions, worsened by wartime conditions.

What was the Treaty of Versailles?

The 1919 treaty ending WWI with harsh penalties for Germany, including reparations, military limits, and territorial losses.

What problems did it cause?

Economic hardship in Germany, resentment, political instability, and set the stage for WWII.

How did Germany feel about it?

Angry and humiliated; viewed it as a 'Diktat' (imposed settlement).

How did France feel about it?

Satisfied with revenge and security guarantees but cautious about long-term enforcement.

How did the US feel about it?

President Wilson wanted a fair treaty promoting peace and the League of Nations, opposed harsh punishment.

Why did the US not join the League of Nations?

Congress refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles, fearing it would entangle the U.S. in future wars.