World War One (1914 – 1919) Lecture Notes

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards covering the causes, key events, technological advancements, US involvement, and the peace process of World War One.

Between what years did World War One, also known as “The Great War,” occur?

1914 – 1919

Which countries were members of the Triple Alliance before the war?

Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Italy

Which countries composed the Triple Entente?

Britain, France, and Russia

What are the "MAIN" causes of World War One as identified in the notes?

Nationalism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Militarism

How is Nationalism defined in the context of WWI causes?

The feeling that a specific nation, language or culture is superior to all others

What specific event is cited as "The Spark" that started the war?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, by a Serbian nationalist

Which major nation switched sides from the Central Powers to the Allied Powers in 1915?

Italy

Which new technologies made warfare more deadly during WWI?

Machine Guns, Poisonous Gases, Airplanes, and U-Boats (submarines)

What was the strategy of trench warfare?

Defending a position by fighting from the protection of deep ditches

What was the name for the area between opposing trenches where much of the fighting occurred?

no-man’s-land

What was the "stalemate" reached by the end of 1914?

A situation where neither side could win a decisive victory

What event involving a British boat led to the deaths of 128 Americans and increased US upset toward Germany?

The Sinking of the Lusitania

What was the Zimmerman Note?

A proposal by the German ambassador to Mexico for an alliance against the US, promising Mexico the lands of New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas

On what date did the United States declare war on Germany?

April 6, 1917

What was the purpose of the War Industries Board?

To oversee the production and distribution of goods manufactured by the nation’s war industries such as steel, copper, and rubber

What was the role of the Committee of Public Information?

To increase public support for the war effort and show the importance of the US being in the war

What did the Selective Service Act require?

It made all males age 21-30 register for a draft

How did the US raise money for supplies for the allies during the war?

By selling Liberty Bonds

What was the function of the National War Labor Board?

To settle disputes between workers and management to prevent strikes

In Nov 1918, what went into effect to bring an end to the fighting?

An armistice (truce)

What were the human costs of the war for soldiers?

More than 8 million soldiers killed and more than 20 million wounded

What was the name of President Wilson’s plan for peace terms?

The Fourteen Points

In Wilson's Fourteen Points, what is "Self-Determination"?

The right of people to decide their own political status

What was the League of Nations designed to be?

An international congress designed to settle disputes and protect democracy

Who were the members of the "Big Four" at the Paris Peace Conference?

Wilson (US), Lloyd George (Britain), Clemenceau (France), and Orlando (Italy)

What total amount in reparations was Germany insisted to pay?

$$33\text{ Billion}$$

Why did the US Senate refuse to ratify the Treaty of Versailles?

They were concerned that joining the League of Nations would involve the US too closely with Europe