What were the key causes of the First World War according to the lecture notes?
The key causes included militarism, arms races, nationalism, imperialism, and alliance systems.
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What is militarism?
The growing desire amongst European governments to retain a strong military and use it aggressively.
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How did arms races contribute to the tensions leading up to World War I?
Tensions were increased due to growing militaries, especially the German naval build-up, which threatened Great Britain.
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What was nationalism's role in the lead-up to World War I?
Nationalist rivalries increased tensions, particularly with the growth of Pan-Slavism in Eastern Europe.
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What was the significance of the Reinsurance Treaty?
It was an agreement between Germany and Russia, aimed at keeping peace; however, it was not renewed, leading to increased tensions.
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Describe the Schlieffen Plan. What was its purpose?
The Schlieffen Plan was a strategy to attack France through Belgium to avoid a two-front war by defeating France before fully engaging with Russia.
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What was trench warfare?
A form of combat where opposing armies fought from deep trenches, leading to a long stalemate.
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Who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and why?
Gavrilo Princip assassinated him to protest Austro-Hungarian rule over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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What was the outcome of the First Battle of the Marne?
It halted the German advance towards Paris and resulted in a stalemate on the Western Front.
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What were U-Boats and how did they impact American neutrality?
German U-Boats were advanced submarines that targeted Allied ships, leading to increased tensions and pushing the U.S. towards joining the war.
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What was the Zimmerman Telegram?
A secret communication from Germany to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the U.S., inciting outrage and contributing to U.S. entry into the war.
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What did the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk signify?
It marked Russia's withdrawal from World War I and allowed Germany to focus all its forces on the Western Front.
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What was the War Guilt Clause?
Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles, placing full responsibility for the war on Germany and justifying reparations.
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How did total war policies affect civilian life during World War I?
Total war policies led to excessive labor, rationing, and increased taxes, impacting everyday civilian life and morale.
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How did World War I propaganda utilize dehumanization?
Propaganda often depicted the enemy as less than human to justify violence and rally public support for the war effort.
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What was the main purpose of the League of Nations?
To promote peace and prevent future conflicts, although it lacked enforcement power.
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What was one major flaw in the Treaty of Versailles?
It imposed harsh penalties on Germany, failing to create a sustainable peace and contributing to future conflict.
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What did the Battle of Verdun and the Battle of the Somme have in common?
Both were long, costly battles characterized by high casualties and attempts to break the stalemate on the Western Front.
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How did the arrival of U.S. troops affect the outcome of World War I?
U.S. troops provided fresh manpower and resources, shifting momentum towards the Triple Entente and helping to secure victory.
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Why did Tsar Nicholas II's actions contribute to the escalation of World War I?
His support for Serbia after the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand increased tensions with Austria-Hungary and drew Russia into the conflict.
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What was the outcome of the Kiel Mutiny?
Sailors refused to continue fighting, leading to the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II and the signing of an armistice.
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