Humanities WW1

What does M.A.I.N. stand for?

Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism.

What is militarism?

Building up armed forces and believing military power is important.

How did militarism contribute to WW1?

European powers built larger armies and navies, increasing tension.

What is an alliance?

An agreement between countries to support or defend each other.

How did alliances contribute to WW1?

They meant a conflict between two countries could involve many allies.

What is imperialism?

Competition between countries for colonies, land and resources.

How did imperialism contribute to WW1?

Competition for colonies increased rivalry between European powers.

What is nationalism?

Strong pride and loyalty toward a nation or ethnic group.

How did nationalism contribute to WW1?

It increased rivalry and encouraged some groups to seek independence.

Who were the Triple Entente?

Britain, France and Russia.

Who were the Triple Alliance?

Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy.

Where was Germany located in Europe?

Central Europe, between France and Russia.

Where was France located?

Western Europe, west of Germany.

Where was Russia located?

Eastern Europe, east of Germany.

Where was Austria-Hungary located?

Central/Eastern Europe, south of Germany.

Where was Italy located?

Southern Europe, on the Italian Peninsula.

Where was Britain located?

An island nation northwest of mainland Europe.

What happened to Franz Ferdinand?

He was assassinated in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914.

Why was Franz Ferdinand's assassination important?

It triggered the July Crisis between Austria-Hungary and Serbia.

What was the July Crisis?

The diplomatic crisis after Franz Ferdinand's assassination.

What was Austria-Hungary's ultimatum to Serbia?

Harsh demands designed to punish Serbia and limit its actions.

What did Russia do during the July Crisis?

Russia mobilised its army to support Serbia.

What is mobilisation?

Preparing and moving armed forces for war.

What happened after Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia?

Alliances and mobilisation helped spread the conflict.

What is the basic July Crisis sequence?

Assassination → ultimatum → Russian mobilisation → declarations of war.

What was the Schlieffen Plan?

Germany's plan to quickly defeat France, then fight Russia.

Why did Germany want to defeat France quickly?

Germany feared being trapped in a two-front war.

Which country did Germany plan to invade to reach France?

Neutral Belgium.

Why did invading Belgium cause problems?

Britain was committed to Belgian neutrality and entered the war.

Why did the Schlieffen Plan fail?

France resisted, Russia mobilised, and Germany faced a longer two-front war.

What was the immediate trigger for WW1?

Franz Ferdinand's assassination on 28 June 1914.

What was the date of Franz Ferdinand's assassination?

28 June 1914.

Why did Austria-Hungary blame Serbia?

The assassin was a Bosnian Serb nationalist linked to Serbia.

What was the purpose of Austria-Hungary's ultimatum?

To punish Serbia and reduce its influence.

Why did Russia support Serbia?

Russia had cultural and political ties with Serbia.

Why did Germany support Austria-Hungary?

Germany was Austria-Hungary's ally.

How did alliances turn a local conflict into a wider war?

Allies joined the conflict after Austria-Hungary and Serbia went to war.

What was one major problem with the Schlieffen Plan?

Germany could not defeat France quickly as planned.

How can a source show evidence of militarism?

It may show weapons, armies, military spending or glorification of war.

How can a source connect to nationalism?

It may show strong national pride or support for national independence.