World War I QUIZ Study Guide

What are the four main causes of World War I?

Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism.

How did militarism contribute to the outbreak of World War I?

Nations built large armies and navies, glorifying war and leading to an arms race, particularly between Germany and Britain.

What were the two major alliances before World War I?

Triple Entente (Allies: Great Britain, France, Russia) and Triple Alliance (Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy).

How did imperialism lead to tensions among European powers?

Powerful nations competed for colonies and resources, creating rivalry and distrust.

What role did nationalism play in the lead-up to World War I?

Extreme pride and devotion to one's nation created rivalries and tensions, exemplified by movements like Pan-Germanism and Pan-Slavism.

What event is considered the spark that ignited World War I?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Gavrilo Princip in June 1914.

What was the chain reaction following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand?

Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, leading to Russia backing Serbia, Germany backing Austria-Hungary, and subsequent declarations of war.

What was Germany's military strategy at the start of World War I?

The Schlieffen Plan aimed for a swift victory by attacking Belgium and quickly defeating France.

What was the significance of the Battle of the Marne?

It marked the end of Germany's advance into France and established a stalemate, leading to trench warfare.

What characterized trench warfare during World War I?

Miserable conditions in 'No-Man's Land' with little movement and high casualties, exemplified by the Battle of the Somme.

What was the initial position of the United States regarding World War I?

The U.S. claimed neutrality while having stronger economic ties with the Allied Powers.

What incidents challenged U.S. neutrality during World War I?

British inspections of American ships and German U-boat attacks, including the sinking of the Lusitania.

What was the Zimmerman Note?

A message from Germany to Mexico proposing a German-Mexican alliance and promising U.S. land if the U.S. entered the war.

What led to the U.S. declaring war on Germany?

The combination of economic ties to the Allies, U-boat attacks, and the Zimmerman Note prompted the U.S. to enter the war on April 6, 1917.

What was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?

An agreement signed by the Bolsheviks in 1918, allowing Russia to withdraw from World War I.

Who led the American forces in World War I?

General John J. Pershing.

What was the outcome of the Allied Offensive in 1917?

Allied forces pushed the Germans back to Sedan Hills, marking a turning point in the war.

What event marked the end of fighting in World War I?

The armistice on November 11, 1918, at 11 AM.

What were the consequences of World War I in terms of casualties?

22 million dead (over half civilians), 20 million wounded, and 10 million refugees.

What was the impact of the Spanish Flu during and after World War I?

It lasted from 1918-1919, killed 500,000 Americans and 30 million worldwide, resulting in more deaths than the war itself.