Week 10- WWI and Russian Revolution

What were the approximate soldier and civilian deaths during World War I?

Approximately 13 million soldiers and 10 million civilians died.

What event triggered the outbreak of World War I?

The assassination of Franz Ferdinand, the successor to the Austro-Hungarian Empire (by a Serb Nationalist)

• led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia and dragging all of Europe in  

What was Germany's 'Blank Cheque' to Austria-Hungary?

A guarantee of support from Germany if war broke out.

What was the Schlieffen Plan?

Germany's plan for a quick attack on France through Belgium to avoid a two-front war.

What was the significance of the Battle of the Marne in 1914?

France pushed back the German advance near Paris, resulting in a bloody stalemate.

What characterized trench warfare during World War I?

Defensive positions with long trenches, machine guns, and little movement on the Western Front.

What was total war as seen in World War I?

A war that mobilized entire societies, involving civilian roles and economy control, Death on scales unheard of before.

• it was patriotic for civilians to support the war and buy war bonds; to win a total war you need money

What did the February Revolution of 1917 lead to?

The abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the establishment of a Provisional Government.

What were the key ideas of Marxism that influenced the Russian Revolution?

Critique of capitalism and the need for a socialist state led by a revolutionary party.

What was the outcome of the October Revolution in 1917?

The Bolsheviks overthrew the Provisional Government to establish a socialist state.

What was the Russian Civil War?

A conflict between the Bolshevik Red Army and anti-Bolshevik White forces from 1917 to 1922.

What significant social changes did the Bolsheviks implement after the revolution?

Redistribution of land, nationalization of industry, and promotion of gender equality.

How did the Soviet government view religion in society after the revolution?

They adopted a hostile stance towards religion, particularly the Russian Orthodox Church. Mainly because of its ties to Tsar government.

What advancements were made for women during the Soviet era?

Legal equality, divorce rights, access to education and employment; however, traditional gender roles persisted.

Who was Vladimir Lenin and what role did he play in the Russian Revolution?

Leader of the Bolshevik Party and key architect of the October Revolution and Soviet power.

What did the Bolsheviks seek to abolish in society?

The traditional social hierarchy based on aristocratic privilege and class divisions.