WW1 Causes, Battles, and Impact: European Militarism, Alliances, and Technologies

What was the primary cause of militarism in Europe before WW1?

European countries increased the size of their armies and competed to build stronger weapons and navies.

What does conscription mean?

Conscription means men were forced to join the army.

What was the naval arms race between Britain and Germany?

Britain and Germany competed to build stronger navies, leading to increased tensions.

What significant battleship did Britain launch in 1906?

The HMS Dreadnought.

What was the main goal of Germany's Weltpolitik?

To expand its empire and assert its power through aggressive foreign policies.

What were the two major alliances in Europe before WW1?

The Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) and the Triple Entente (Britain, France, Russia).

What event triggered the outbreak of WW1?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary on 28 June 1914.

What was the Schlieffen Plan?

Germany's strategy to quickly defeat France before turning to fight Russia.

What was the outcome of the Battle of the Somme?

Britain suffered heavy losses with around 20,000 soldiers dying on the first day but gained some territory.

What was the impact of artillery in WW1?

Artillery caused around 60% of all wounds during the war.

What was the first use of tanks in WW1?

Tanks were first used by Britain in 1916 to cross trenches and barbed wire.

What were the conditions like in the trenches?

Soldiers faced trench foot, lice, rats, and poor hygiene.

What was the Treaty of Versailles?

The peace treaty that ended WW1, imposing heavy reparations and restrictions on Germany.

What was Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles?

The War Guilt Clause, which forced Germany to accept blame for the war.

What was the effect of WW1 on women's rights?

Women's contributions during the war helped change attitudes and led to women gaining the vote.

What were the main causes of WW1 summarized by the acronym MAIN?

Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism.

What was the significance of the 'Cat and Mouse Act'?

It was a law related to the treatment of suffragettes in prison.

What was the outcome of the 1918 Representation of the People Act?

Some women over 30 gained the right to vote.

What did the 1928 Representation of the People Act achieve?

It granted equal voting rights for all adults over 21.

What psychological condition did soldiers face due to the war?

Shell shock, which is a form of psychological trauma.

What was the role of propaganda in WW1 recruitment?

Propaganda campaigns led by Lord Kitchener encouraged men to volunteer for the army.

What was the impact of poison gas in WW1?

It caused blindness, choking, and fear among soldiers.

What was the first major use of aircraft in WW1?

Initially used for reconnaissance, later for bombing and dogfights.

What was the creeping barrage tactic?

Artillery fire moved slowly ahead of advancing troops to protect them.

What does 'war of attrition' mean?

A strategy of wearing down the enemy through continuous losses.

What year did the attempted revolution to remove Tsar Nicholas II occur?

1905

What major global conflict began in 1914, involving Russia on the side of Britain and France?

World War I

What significant event took place in March 1917 in Russia?

The Tsar was forced to abdicate and a Provisional Government was established.

Who returned to Russia in April 1917 to lead the Bolsheviks?

Vladimir Lenin

What was the outcome of the Bolshevik Revolution in October 1917?

The Bolsheviks overthrew the Provisional Government in St. Petersburg.

How did the Russian Civil War (1918-1921) affect the political landscape?

The Bolshevik 'red army' defeated the Tsarist 'white army' and gained control over the whole Russian population and territory.

Why was the Russian society described as unfair before the revolution?

A small number of very rich nobles controlled most of the wealth, while 80% of the population consisted of poor peasants.

What mistake did Tsar Nicholas II make as a leader?

He made many poor decisions and was ridiculed for them, which led to dissatisfaction among the populace.

What was the decision of the Provisional Government regarding World War I?

They decided to continue fighting in WW1, which made them very unpopular.

When did the Bolsheviks overthrow the Provisional Government?

October 1917.

What was President Woodrow Wilson's role in relation to the League of Nations?

He designed the Fourteen Points to ensure peace, influenced the Treaty of Versailles.

What was the outcome of the League of Nations regarding Mussolini's invasion of Abyssinia?

The League failed to intervene despite being designed to maintain peace.

How did Hitler's actions in the 1930s lead to World War II?

Germany rearmed, reoccupied territories, and invaded neighboring countries, leading to increased tensions.

What event occurred in 1939 that was a significant step towards World War II?

Germany invaded Poland to take back the Polish Corridor and the port of Danzig.