World War I & Russian Revolution

What were the immediate and long-term causes of World War I?

Militarism – The aggressive preparation for war; they drew up vast and complex plans for quickly mobilizing millions of soldiers and enormous quantities of supplies in the event of war.

Alliances – A union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries; alliances were more formal, ententes were less formal.

Imperialism – The extension of a nation’s power over other lands; competition for colonies (especially in Africa) led to conflict and heightened rivalries among European states.

Nationalism – Each country believed in its own superiority, which increased tensions and competition.

Assassination – Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Black Hand (a Serbian nationalist group), assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary and his wife in Sarajevo. This sparked the chain reaction that led to war.

Who made up the Triple Entente (Allied Powers) and the Triple Alliance (Central Powers)? Why were these alliances significant to the war?

Triple Entente – France, Great Britain, Russia (less formal alliance).

Allied Powers – France, Great Britain, Russia, later joined by Italy, U.S., Australia, India, New Zealand, and Japan.

Triple Alliance – Austria-Hungary, Germany, Italy (before switching sides).

Central Powers – Austria-Hungary, Germany, Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria (NO Italy).

Significance – These alliances meant that when one country was attacked, allied nations were pulled in, escalating a regional conflict into a world war.

What was the Schlieffen Plan?

A German military plan designed by General Alfred von Schlieffen. It called for a two-front war with France and Russia. Germany would first launch a quick attack on France through neutral Belgium, defeat them rapidly, and then move troops to fight Russia. The goal was to avoid fighting on two fronts at once.

What was the significance of the Battles of Verdun, the Somme, and Gallipoli?

Battle of Verdun (1916) – Fought between France and Germany; one of the deadliest and longest battles; Germany tried to break French morale, but the French held their ground.

Battle of the Somme (1916) – Fought by Britain and France against Germany; meant to relieve pressure on the French at Verdun; over 1 million casualties, very little territorial gain.

Battle of Gallipoli (1915) – Allies tried to open a Balkan front by invading the Ottoman Empire; campaign was a failure, and the Allies withdrew.

What were some of the new weapons used in WWI? What was their impact on the war?

Trench Warfare – Soldiers dug and fought from long trenches, causing stalemates and miserable conditions.

Machine Guns – Fired hundreds of bullets per minute, making traditional charges deadly and contributing to stalemates.

Tanks – Introduced to break through trench lines and cross difficult terrain.

Airplanes – Used for spying (reconnaissance), bombing, and air-to-air combat (dogfights).

Submarines (U-boats) – Used by Germany to attack enemy and civilian ships, disrupting supply lines and helping draw the U.S. into the war.

How was unrestricted submarine warfare used in WWI?

In response to the British blockade that stopped supplies from reaching Germany, Germany used unrestricted submarine warfare, attacking all ships (including civilian ones) near enemy ports. This included the sinking of the Lusitania, a passenger ship with Americans on board, which helped push the U.S. toward entering the war.

What was the significance of the Zimmerman Telegram/Note?

The Zimmerman Telegram was a secret message from Germany to Mexico, promising to help Mexico regain lost U.S. territories if it joined the war against the U.S. When Britain intercepted and revealed the note, it outraged the American public and was a key factor in the U.S. entering World War I.

What problems did Russia face at the beginning of the 20th century?

Russia was unprepared for war militarily and technologically. After losing to Japan in 1905 and facing the Revolution of 1905, Russia had poor leadership, no effective military commanders, and an economy unable to supply the army with weapons.

What happened to Russia during WWI? How did WWI trigger the Russian Revolution?

Russia suffered massive military defeats, food shortages, and economic breakdown during WWI. The government failed to fix these issues, leading to widespread anger. As the war dragged on, protests erupted, and the Tsar lost support, leading to his abdication and the Russian Revolution.

What were the stages of the Russian Revolution? What happened during each stage? Who were the important groups and individuals?

February Revolution (March 1917) – Mass protests led to Tsar Nicholas II’s abdication; monarchy ended.

Provisional Government (March–October 1917) – Temporary government led by Alexander Kerensky; it kept Russia in WWI and didn’t solve key issues like food shortages and land reforms.

October Revolution (November 1917) – Bolsheviks, led by Lenin and organized by Trotsky, overthrew the Provisional Government in a near-bloodless coup.

Key Figures:

• Lenin – Leader of the Bolsheviks

• Trotsky – Bolshevik military leader

• Kerensky – Head of the Provisional Government

• Bolsheviks – Radical Marxists

• Mensheviks – More moderate socialists, opposed the Bolsheviks

What was the result of the Russian Revolution? How did Russia change?

After the October Revolution, civil war broke out between the Reds (Bolsheviks) and Whites (anti-communists).

By 1921, the Communists (Reds) had full control.

NEP (New Economic Policy) – Lenin allowed limited private trade to help the economy.

1922 – USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) formed.

Stalin’s Rise – After Lenin’s death in 1924, Stalin took power.

Five-Year Plans – Stalin replaced NEP with plans to industrialize quickly and collectivize farms, leading to famine.

Great Purge – Stalin eliminated enemies and rivals using secret police, show trials, and executions.

What were Wilson’s 14 Points? What was their goal?

Wilson’s 14 Points aimed to create a fair peace and avoid future wars. Key ideas:

• Open diplomacy (no secret treaties)

• Reduce weapons

• Self-determination (people choose their government)

• Freedom of the seas and free trade

• League of Nations to resolve conflicts peacefully and prevent wars

How is Wilson different from George and Clemenceau?

Wilson – Wanted a fair, lasting peace and supported international cooperation (League of Nations).

Lloyd George (Britain) and Clemenceau (France) – Wanted to punish Germany, protect their own interests, and make Germany pay for the war.

What was the Treaty of Versailles? How did it impact Germany and the path to WWII?

The Treaty of Versailles ended WWI. It forced Germany to:

• Accept full blame (War Guilt Clause)

• Pay massive reparations

• Lose territory

• Reduce its military

These terms caused economic hardship, national humiliation, and anger in Germany. The resentment helped fuel the rise of Hitler and led to WWII.