WWI, the Bolshevik Revolution, and Political Theory (Test Four) - Modern World History

What was the scramble for Africa?

European powers wanted more land for more power and resources, and Africa was the last place left to colonize

What was the Berlin Conference?

Meeting of European leaders to decide how to divvy up Africa, like cutting a cake

Who was Cecil Rhodes?

A British imperialist who wanted to build railroads in Africa

How did the scramble for Africa lead to WW1?

Tension between the European nations of who gets what land begins to boil over

What were the 4 main causes of WW1?

Nationalism, alliances, imperialism, militarism

How did nationalism help lead to WW1?

The French wanted revenge against Germany for Alssace-Lorraine, Slavic people didn't want to be part of the Austro-Hungarian empire, Germany was quickly industrializing and becoming very patriotic; believed in social darwinism.

What is Pan-Slavism?

Slavic independence, which Serbia supported

How did alliances lead to WW1?

Russia had made agreements with smaller Slavic nations to give Slavic people assurance... however the alliances were sometimes secret, leading to a bigger war than many were expecting

How did imperialism help lead to WW1?

Britain was concerned over Germany's growth because Britain wanted to maintain its own power. Britain had colonies all over the world, but Germany also did, and they had land in Africa. France and Britain allied themselves to limit how much land Germany had in Africa, and this angers Germany.

How did militarism contribute to WW1?

Military power was related to national prestige. Risking your life for your country was glorified and something to be proud of. Social Darwinism inspires people to fight for their country, and makes them show military power and create new weapons. There is an arms race between who can create the best weapons and technology.

What is Social Darwinism?

The idea that certain people become powerful in society because they are innately better. Social Darwinism has been used to justify imperialism, racism, eugenics and social inequality at various times over the past century and a half.

What was Germany's initial plan, and what was it called?

They planned to go through Belgium to get to France, towards Paris. They wanted to first attack the French quickly, then defeat the Russians. This was called the Schlieffen plan.

Did the Schlieffen plan work?

No, Russia mobilized much more quickly than expected, Germany was forced to divide their troops.

What were some causes of the stalemate?

Advanced weaponry (Maxim Machine Gun), trench warfare, and in the East because there were so many Russian troops that the Germans had a difficult time advancing

What was it like living in the trenches?

Living conditions were terrible, no glory, rats, disease and urine while sleeping in the ground in ditches

What were some new technologies in the war?

Machine guns, shells, tanks, U-boats, airplanes/blimps (zeppelins), chemical warfare/poison gas, naval destroyers

What were the original 4 allies?

France, UK, Russia, Serbia

Who were the central powers?

Austro-Hungarian empire, Germany, Ottoman empire, Bulgaria.

Why did the Ottoman empire join the central powers?

Because they controlled the Bosporus and Dardanelles, so they had the ability to control trade and resources with Russia, helps with the planned war of attrition

Where was the Southern Front?

The Ottoman empire

What was the Battle of Gallipoli?

Allies were sent to control the Dardanelles and help Russia, but after 10 months, they lost and withdrew. After victory, the Ottomans are hit hard by Arab cultures who want their independence; they join the allies

In what ways was WW1 truly global?

Britain blockaded Germany with their navy to cut imports and exports, and so German U-Boats retaliated and sank the allied cargo ships. This upsets neutral nations like the USA and causes the USA to go to war. Allies also try to take over German colonies in Africa and Asia. People come to fight from Canada, New Zealand, Australia and India because of allegiance to Britain. French West Africa sends troops to Europe, and Japan helps Britain by taking German colonies in East Asia.

Why was Japan upset over the final outcome of WW1?

They were fighting for the allies to get the Chinese region of Manchuria, however, they did not get it even though the allies won.

Why does the US remain neutral for most of the war?

They followed the policy of isolationism

What was the US ship that the Germans sunk, and what agreement did it lead to?

The Lusitania was sunk by a U-Boat; it was a passenger ship with American citizens on it. US and Germany agree to the Sussex Pledge, where Germany agrees to not sink ships with warning (restricted submarine warfare)

What pledge do the Germans break, and what effect does this have?

They break the Sussex Pledge in 1917, and Wilson decides that the US will go to war, a massive morale boost for the allies

When did the war officially end?

11/11/1918 at 11AM

Discuss the development of the flamethrower

First used in a surprise attack by the Germans in 1915, called the "flammenwerfer," made the soldiers fear and got them psychologically.

Discuss the development of guns, name the most popular model

Rifles, the most popular being the Lee Enfield MK 3, were easy to use, mobile, and easily manufactured. Maxim Machine Guns were hard to make and expensive, however they were very effective

Discuss the development of tanks

First used in September 1916 in the Battle of the Somme, the first was called "Little Willie," revolutionized trench warfare because they were bulletproof, but also they were not reliable

Discuss artillery

Upwards of millions of shells were often fired in a single battle. Big Bertha was developed; a very powerful, mobile piece of artillery

When was the battle of Verdun?

February 1916-December 1916.

Discuss the Battle of Verdun

The Germans attacked Verdun because it was pivotal to France's defense. The Germans mobilized for the battle secretly, so the French couldn't tell that they were coming. They spent 7 weeks building railroads and bunkers. The German general Falken wanted to defeat France through a war of attrition. The French general Philippe Petain was the "Lion of Verdun" because he helped to rally the troops. Initially, Germany was winning because France was outgunned and outmanned, however, France ultimately won, a huge setback for the Germans. Neither the French nor Germans gained land, but 400,000 French and 350,000 German soldiers died, and millions of shells were fired. Goes hand-in-hand with Battle of the Sommes

When was the battle of Gallipoli, where was it?

February 1915-January 1916. Fought on the Southern front for control of the Dardanelles and Bosporus.

What was the Constantinople agreement?

Secret agreement in March 1915 between Russia, France and Britain for how they would divide up the Ottoman empire.

Discuss the battle of Gallipoli

Sir Ian Hamilton and John de Robec were the allied generals, ANZAC fought with the allies. The allies fought to help Russia keep their trade routes after Russia appealed to them for help. Initial advances by the allies failed, and despite the fact that the battle was initially naval, it became a land battle and, eventually, stalemate. The allies evacuate after months of fighting. Widely regarded as a huge Ottoman victory, but ultimately is part of the reason why the Ottoman disbanded. Important battle to Australia and New Zealand, who celebrate it.

Name the four main types of chemical gas used in warfare

Tear gas, mustard gas, chlorine gas and phosgene gas

Why was mustard gas the most used gas?

Because it was effective even when wearing gas masks due to its ability to seep through clothing and cause chemical burns. Greatly slowed down an army even if it didn't cause death. All the other main gasses were mainly respiratory.

Discuss Chemical Warfare in WW1

The four main gasses used were tear gas, which causes excessive tearing, mustard gas, an irritant and blister forming agent, chlorine gas which causes coughing, vomiting, eye irritation, and choking, and finally, phosgene gas which targets the lungs and causes suffocation. Gasses were mostly distributed by wind, poison bullets, and shells filled with gas. Gas masks were developed from damp clothes to masks that all soldiers carried with them in case of attack. 1% of all WW1 deaths were from gas, but many more injuries and skin burns.

What were planes used for in WW1?

Reconnaissance of enemy territory, bomber planes (very inaccurate, hand dropped bombs), and fighter planes with mounted machine guns.

Who was the Red Baron?

Famous fighter pilot who flew for Germany

Discuss development of blimps in WW1

Often called zeppelins, blimps were airships without internal structure. Floats because they are filled with helium. Used because they could travel at 85mph, they were quiet, and could carry lots of bombs, but they were easily shot down. Highly flammable and hard to make.

Discuss naval developments in WW1

Battleships (destroyers and dreadnoughts) are the largest and most powerful that are developed. Cruisers were refined for the protection of ships and to help lead destroyers in battle. German U-Boats (unterseeboots) were early submarines. They could be underwater for 2+ hours, used to sink many types of boats.

When was the battle of the Sommes?

July 1916-November 1916

Discuss the battle of the Sommes

At the 2nd Chantilly Conference, allies made a plan for the Battle of the Sommes as a way to exhaust German manpower. The battle of Verdun accelerates the planned timing. The battle was a combined attack on the Western front, with Britain and France fighting against Germany. The plain's geography creates a stalemate, but ultimately the Germans lose and withdraw. Allies gained 7 miles, German morale was reduced, and hundreds of thousands were killed.

Discuss the Battle of Jutland

In 1916, the Battle of Jutland was a naval battle between Germany and Britain. Mainly caused by arms race with dreadnoughts, the British blockade of Germany, and Germany's "blank check" to the Austro-Hungarian empire. Germany wanted to regain trade routes, assert dominance, and break the blockade. German losses were less than British losses, however many believe that the British won because Germany was unable to break the blockade.

Why and when did the Russians withdraw from WW1?

In 1917 because of the Bolshevik revolution.

What were the 2 main events that led to WW1's end?

Russian withdrawal and US involvement

What is the name of the conference and treaty made to end war?

Paris Peace Conference and the Treaty of Versailles. Every nation in the war had one representative

Name the 'Big 4' and their leaders

USA and president Woodrow Wilson, France and Georges Clemenceau, UK and Lloyd George, and Italy with Vittorio Orlando

What did each of the Big 4 want?

The UK wanted to punish Germany and prevent them from building a strong military. France wanted to weaken Germany economically and militarily so they're never a threat again in any way, USA wants the 14 point plan, and Italy wants reparations for the war and more land.

Name the 14 points of Wilson's plan

1) Public alliances and treaties 2) international waters should be peaceful and able to enter 3) create universal trade policy for all peaceful countries 4) purge excess arms from country's stockpiles, keep only enough for defense 5) review of colonies considering both the countries with claims and the people living there 6) let Russia have a revolution and support what it chooses 7) evacuation of non-Belgian troops from Belgium 8) return all territory to France and rebuild it, including Alsace-Lorraine 9) adjust borders of Italy, but only include nationally Italian people 10) allow the people in Austro-Hungary their own development and safety 11) evacuate the Balkan area and restore Serbian sea access 12) free non-Turkish parts of the Ottoman empire 13) make a new Polish state with Polish people 14) create a "League of Nations"

How did the 14-point peace plan help and hurt the future?

Bad ideas: Italy gets very little land despite what they were promised, Russia does not get the land it wanted, province of East Prussia taken from Germany, as well as Alsace-Lorraine, and Japan does not get Manchuria as promised Good ideas: League of nations, creation of autonomous states, alliances all public, purging of excess armaments

What was actually agreed upon at Versailles?

Germany had to assume full blame for WW1 and pay reparations to all winning nations ($30 billion) that they didn't have enough money for. New borders created from the central power's land, "League of Nations" created, limiting of Germany's military, no more German overseas colonies

Problems with Treaty of Versailles?

Allies gain colonies as Germany loses them - harder to pay reparations. Italy gets very little new land. Japan does not get as much land as they wanted (ie: Manchuria), Russia feels disrespected for not being in the Big 4, and loses land

Names of the Russian dynastic leader and his family during WW1

Tsar Nicholas II, Alexandra, and their son Alexei who had hemophilia, part of Romanovs.

What were Nicholas II's thoughts on being Tsar?

He did not want to be tsar, ruled about ⅙ of the world, resistant to change

Who did Alexandra consult?

Gregory Rasputin, to help heal her child. She eventually consults him for government advice, he gives very bad advice

Why was Russia so behind the times?

Archaic social and dynastic system makes it slow despite many resources and workers

Who wrote the Communist Manifesto, what was it about?

Karl Marx and Freidrich Engels, about communism and the bourgeoisie and proletariat

Why were people upset with the Romanovs?

WW1 they couldn't afford, lost so many troops, Winter 1917 was very cold, bread shortage and famine, inadequate leaders

Who leads Russia when Tsar Nicholas II goes to the front, why does he go to the front?

His wife Alexandra and Rasputin. Nicholas wants to lead Russia to victory and help with morale.

What happens when Alexandra is leading Russia?

She makes many bad decisions that help lead to Russians doubt of Romanovs

Who assassinated Rasputin?

High ranking officials looking to stave off revolution, in 1916

When/why does Nicholas abdicate?

1917, trying to stop the collapse of Russia, leaves in place ineffective government and power vacuum

What was the name of the main revolutionary party, what does it mean?

Bolsheviks, 'majority'

What was Lenin's birth name?

Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov

Give a short biography of Lenin's life

Revolutionary in Russia who supported Marxism/communism, is exiled to Switzerland but continues writing, Germany eventually brings him to Russia (with hopes to gain an ally and weaken Russia), becomes leader of Russia

What was Lenin's small leadership group called?

"Dictatorship of the Proletariat"

What was Lenin's promise?

Peace, land, and bread

Did all people support the Bolshevik's?

No, some thought absolutism to communism was far too rapid, but Lenin claimed they needed a full and drastic revolution

How do the Red Guard take power?

They stage a coup

What does Lenin do immediately after taking power?

Abolishes private land, gives factory workers control of production, changes national flag to hammer and sickle, begins 'collectivization' where people all share in the profits

Who led the temporary government after Tsar's abdication?

Alexander Korinsky

What was the treaty the Russians signed with the Germans?

Agreed to peace but causes them to give up 1,000,000 square miles

What does USSR stand for?

Union of soviet socialist republics

What groups fought Russian civil war?

Reds (Bolsheviks) and Whites (all against Bolsheviks)

Why do allies support the Whites?

To keep Russia in the war, but it doesn't help because the Whites lose, and leading party resents the allies now

What was the name of Russian secret police?

Cheka

When was USSR formed?

1922

What does the USSR do?

Reunites most of the formerly Russian states

How does Lenin get states to join?

Promise of democracy, equal rights for all, better quality of life - very appealing to lower class

How long did Lenin lead, and until when?

7 years, until 1924

Who were the two people trying to take power after Lenin's death?

Leon Trotsky and Joseph Stalin

When was Trotsky murdered, and by what organization with what weapon?

Ice Pick, the KGB in Mexico

What was the name of Germany's leader?

Kaiser Wilhelm

Whose assassination started the war?

Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife

What group and who assassinated the archduke?

The Black Hand, Gavrilo Princip

What was the famous telegraph from Germany to Mexico telling them to get involved?

Zimmerman telegraph

Did the US join the League of Nations? Why or why not?

No, isolationism. The senate refused to ratify the joining of the LON.