AP Euro Chapter 25 Reading Guide

What caused unprecedented destruction in WWI?

New weapons, trench warfare, and massive casualties contributed to the devastation.

What does the acronym MANIA represent in relation to the causes of WWI?

Militarism, Alliances, Nationalism, Imperialism, Assassination.

What major event sparked the beginning of WWI?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand due to his perceived threat to Serbian independence.

How did internal dissent affect Europe before WWI?

Social unrest, labor strikes, and nationalist movements destabilized Europe.

What was the stance of Austria-Hungary towards Serbia's expansion during the Balkan Crisis?

Austria-Hungary opposed Serbia's expansion.

What did Germany promise Austria-Hungary before WWI?

Germany provided unconditional support, often referred to as the 'Blank Check' to secure them as an ally and prevent local conflict.

What was Germany's initial military strategy in WWI?

The Schlieffen Plan aimed to avoid a two-front war by attacking France first.

What was the public's expectation regarding the duration of WWI at its outset?

People expected a quick and glorious war.

What led to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan?

Belgian resistance, British involvement, and Russian mobilization disrupted timelines.

Which battle marked the beginning of trench warfare on the Western Front?

The Battle of the Marne in 1914 stopped the German advance into France.

What characterized the Eastern and Western Fronts in WWI?

The Eastern Front was more mobile with larger territories, while the Western Front saw a stalemate with trench warfare.

Who were Hindenburg and Ludendorff?

German military leaders who won key victories on the Eastern Front.

What was Italy's initial stance at the start of WWI?

Italy was initially neutral and later joined the Allies in 1915 for territorial promises.

What challenges did Russia face in the early part of WWI?

Russia was poorly equipped and suffered major defeats against Germany.

What were the conditions like on the Western Front during 1916-17?

Horrific trench conditions, high casualties, and minimal territorial gain characterized this period.

What was significant about the Battle of Verdun?

It was the longest battle of WWI and became a symbol of French resilience.

What was the outcome of the Battle of the Somme?

A massive British-led offensive with high casualties and minimal gains.

What difficulties did soldiers face in the trenches during WWI?

Diseases, mud, constant shelling, and low morale created harsh living conditions.

What was the outcome of the Gallipoli Campaign for the Ottoman Empire?

The campaign aimed to knock out the Ottomans but ultimately failed.

What role did Lawrence of Arabia play during WWI?

He led Arab revolts against Ottoman rule, with Allies promising independence.

How did colonial troops contribute to WWI?

Colonial troops fought for European powers in battles across Africa.

What was the effect of Britain's naval blockade on Germany?

The blockade hurt Germany's economy, especially before the US entered the war.

What event involving the Lusitania heightened tensions with the US?

The sinking of Lusitania by German submarines in 1915 angered the US.

What were some key innovations in warfare during WWI?

Machine guns, poison gas, tanks, and planes significantly changed combat.

How did total war impact governments during WWI?

Increased control and propaganda efforts characterized government responses.

What significant change occurred in homefront morale during WWI?

Morale shifted from patriotic enthusiasm to exhaustion and disillusionment.

What economic impact did WWI have on Europe?

Europe faced massive debt, uneven destruction, while the US economy grew stronger.

What caused the Russian Revolution?

Failures in the war, economic crises, poor leadership, and peasant unrest triggered the revolution.

What resulted from the March Revolution of 1917?

The Tsar abdicated, and a Provisional Government was established.

What were the main ideological differences between Bolsheviks and Mensheviks?

Bolsheviks were radical and sought immediate revolution; Mensheviks were moderate and advocated for gradual socialism.

Who was Vladimir Lenin and what was his significance in the Russian Revolution?

Lenin led the Bolsheviks and adapted Marxism for a vanguard-led revolution.

What were the April Theses?

Lenin's call for Soviet power, presented after his return to Russia.

What was the outcome of the October Revolution of 1917?

The Bolsheviks overthrew the Provisional Government and seized the Winter Palace.

What reforms did the early Bolshevik government implement?

Land redistribution, worker control, and peace negotiations were key reforms, through their tactic of war communism.

What did the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk signify for Russia?

It marked Russia's exit from WWI and resulted in territorial losses to Germany.

What were the two opposing sides in the Russian Civil War?

The Reds (Bolsheviks) vs. the Whites (anti-Bolsheviks).

What happened to the Romanovs during the Bolshevik regime?

The Romanovs were executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918.

Why did the Whites lose the Russian Civil War?

The Whites were disorganized, lacked unity, and faced ineffective foreign support.

What was War Communism as it was used by the Bolsheviks?

A policy of state control over the economy that led to famine and unrest, and involved rationing food and supplies from the peasants.

What was the role of the Cheka during the Bolshevik regime?

The Cheka was the secret police responsible for executing enemies of the revolution.

What major event occurred during the Second Battle of the Marne?

Germany launched its last offensive, but Allies counterattacked, shifting the war's momentum.

What happened to Kaiser Wilhelm II on November 11, 1918?

Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated as an armistice was signed.

What was the overall casualty count of WWI?

Millions died, were wounded, and an entire generation was affected.

• Total casualties: Around 40 million

• Estimated deaths: 15 to 22 million

What was the outcome of the German revolutions from 1918-19?

Workers' uprisings led to the establishment of the Weimar Republic, a democratic government.

How did the German revolution differ from the Russian revolution?

Russia experienced a full revolution, while Germany transitioned to a democracy.

What happened to Austria-Hungary after WWI?

The empire was dissolved and split into several nations.

What were the differing goals of the Big 4 during the peace talks?

The US sought peace, while France and Britain wanted punishment for Germany, and Italy sought land.

What principle was included in Wilson's 14 Points?

The idea of self-determination for ethnic groups to govern themselves influenced peace talks.

What were the key terms of the Treaty of Versailles?

Germany was blamed for the war, faced huge reparations, lost territory, and the US did not join the League of Nations.