World War I Flashcards

Flashcards about World War I

Militarism

The belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests.

Naval Laws (1898-1900)

Allowed for bigger navies, Germany sought to challenge Britain's Navy, prompting Britain to develop Dreadnoughts. By 1914, Germany had 17 and Britain 29.

Schlieffen Plan

Detailed war plan against France and Russia. Called for rapid invasion of France via Belgium, knock France out then rush back and defeat Russia. Any Russian mobilization meant a call to arms by the Germans.

Dual Alliance (1879)

Germany + Austria-Hungary pledged for mutual support if attacked by Russia.

Triple Alliance (1882)

Germany + Austria-Hungary + Italy formed a defensive alliance, not one for attacking.

Franco-Russian Alliance (1894)

Response to German Threat.

Triple Entente

Britain + France + Russia created a two bloc system which trapped the Triple Alliance. These were defensive but created a domino effect: when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, Russia prepared for war, which led Germany to go to war on Russia then France.

Scramble for Africa

Created rivalries between Britain, France, and Germany for land (natural resources, manpower, social darwinism). Germany’s late enter into the race caused tensions

Moroccan Crises

Germany opposed French Influence in Morocco as it would lead to control over the Mediterranean Sea. France eventually gained control which caused tensions to rise as Germany began to advocate for an independent Morocco.

Great Power Nationalism

The big countries wanted to showcase how they were the superior nation, especially in Germany as they wanted to rise in global power. Often used wars to showcase strength

Ethnic Nationalism

Countries in the Balkans, especially Serbia, wanted to create a bigger national uniting all Slavs, backed by Russia. Austria-Hungary faced intense nationalism from these Slavs since many were in its borders

First Battle of the Marne (1914)

France, Britain, and Germany. Saved the French capital from capture by the Germans and helped stop the Germans from having a quick war and disrupting the Schlieffen plan.

Battle of Tannenberg (1914)

German and Russian. Germans defeated the Russians and took many of their soldiers as prisoners, stopping Russia's invasion of Prussia which allowed Germany to spread its resources better.

Battle of Gallipoli (1915)

Britain, New Zealand, Australia, India Ottoman and France. The Ottoman Empire won but they lost many soldiers, leading to the foundation of modern Turkey.

Battle of Jutland (1916)

Germany, Britain. Allies started a blockade to block Germany from the outside world. Britain was the best navy, depriving Germany and Austria-Hungary of resources.

Battle of the Somme (1916)

Britain, France, and Germany. The Allies won and the Germans suffered a great loss. Tactics were developed by the militaries which would be useful in other battles.

Battle of Verdun (1917)

France and Germany. Longest and brutalist war of all time. It was one of the deadliest battles which made the French and Germans lose many men.

Battle of Passchendaele (1917)

Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, and Germany. Won control over a small village in Belgium, but had very huge losses for a minimal reward

Battle of Amiens (1918)

Canada, Britain, French, and Germany. Canadian and allied troops defeated the Germans and was known as the “hundred day” because there was a sting of allied attacks that would lead to the collapse of the German Empire.

Spring Offensive (1918)

Germany and Britain. Nearly collapsed germany and the last fight of the year. Broke stalemate and trench warfare on the western front

Treaty of Versailles 1919

Germany Article 231: War Guilt Clauses, Germany took full responsibility for starting the War. Reparations: Germany was forced to pay 132 billion Gold marks as reparations for the war. Germany was humiliated and resentment grew- key to Nazi rise (Hitler Exploited). German Economy Decimated- hyperinflation faced. Germany was not allowed to negotiate- seen as a dictated peace