Module 11 Learning Objectives

Module 11 Learning Objectives

11.1 - Marching Toward War

• Learning Objectives:

  • Definitions:

    • Militarism: Belief in building up strong armed forces to prepare for war.

    • Triple Alliance: Military alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

    • Triple Entente: Alliance of France, Russia, and Great Britain.

    • Emperor Franz Joseph I: Ruler of Austria-Hungary prior to and during the early parts of World War I.

    • Archduke Franz Ferdinand: Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne whose assassination sparked the war.

    • Kaiser Wilhelm II: Emperor of Germany whose policies and militarism contributed to the outbreak of the war.

  • Political and Military Forces (late 1800s):

    • Increased competition among nations.

    • Nationalism leading to tensions, particularly in the Balkans.

    • Strategic military alliances shaping the power dynamics in Europe.

  • Key Countries in Alliances:

    • Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy.

    • Triple Entente: France, Russia, Great Britain.

  • Causes of World War I:

    • Militarism, Alliance Systems, Nationalism, Imperialism:

      • Increased militaristic culture leading to an arms race.

      • Tense alliances creating division in Europe.

      • National pride and competition for overseas colonies.

    • Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: Trigger that ignited existing tensions into full conflict.

11.2 - Europe Plunges into War

• Learning Objectives:

  • Definitions:

    • Central Powers: Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.

    • Allied Powers: Alliance of France, Russia, Great Britain, Italy, and others.

    • Western Front: Main theater of war located in France characterized by trench warfare.

    • Eastern Front: Area of conflict between Germany and Austria-Hungary against Russia.

    • Trench Warfare: Combat method characterized by soldiers fighting from deep trenches.

    • Schlieffen Plan: German plan for a two-front war against France and Russia.

  • Distinguishing Fronts:

    • Western vs. Eastern Fronts:

      • Western Front: Stalemate, dug trenches; involved heavy casualties and little territory gained.

      • Eastern Front: More fluid movement and territorial changes, impacting different nations differently.

  • Military Events (Western Front):

    • Major battles such as the Battle of the Marne, Verdun, and the Somme characterized this front.

  • Technological Innovations:

    • Innovations such as machine guns, tanks, airplanes, and chemical weapons significantly changed warfare dynamics.

  • Comparison of War Fronts:

    • Western Front: More static, trench-based warfare.

    • Eastern Front: More mobile and less fortified; involved more open battles.

11.3 - A Global Conflict

• Learning Objectives:

  • Definitions:

    • Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: Naval warfare where submarines sink vessels without warning.

    • U-Boat: German submarine used that targeted Allied shipping.

    • Total War: Widespread mobilization of resources, impacting all sectors of society.

    • Rationing: Control of food and materials to ensure resources for the war effort.

    • Propaganda: Information spread to influence public opinion regarding the war.

    • Armistice: An agreement to cease fighting.

    • Lusitania: British passenger ship sunk by a U-boat, influencing public opinion against Germany.

    • Zimmerman Telegram: Secret communication from Germany proposing a military alliance with Mexico against the U.S.

  • Spread of Conflict:

    • Global powers drawn into conflict through alliances and colonial ties.

  • Wartime Economies:

    • Governments implemented measures to direct economies toward war production, including labor shifts and increased manufacturing.

  • Reasons for U.S. Entry:

    • Unrestricted submarine warfare, economic ties with Allies, and the Zimmerman Telegram influenced U.S. decision to join the war.

  • Allies’ Push to Victory:

    • Increased troop involvement and resources from the U.S. bolstered the weakened Allied forces.

  • Effects of War:

    • Widespread destruction, loss of life, and the shifting political landscape post-war.

11.4 - A Flawed Peace

• Learning Objectives:

  • Definitions:

    • Woodrow Wilson: President of the United States who played a key role in the peace negotiations.

    • Georges Clemenceau: French Prime Minister who was a strong advocate for punitive measures against Germany.

    • Fourteen Points: Wilson's proposal for peace that aimed at creating lasting stability.

    • Self-Determination: The principle that nations should have the right to govern themselves.

    • Paris Peace Conference: 1919 meeting of Allied powers to negotiate peace treaties.

    • Treaty of Versailles: The 1919 treaty that ended World War I, imposing harsh terms on Germany.

    • Article 231: Clause in the Treaty of Versailles that blamed Germany for the war.

    • League of Nations: International organization established after the war to promote peace and cooperation among countries.

  • Signing of the Treaty of Versailles:

    • Complex negotiations with various national interests significantly influenced the final treaty outcomes.

  • Goals of Negotiations:

    • Differing views led to tensions among the Allies, affecting the treaty's fairness and effectiveness.

  • U.S. Rejection:

    • The U.S. Senate's refusal to ratify the Treaty of Versailles stemmed from concerns over national sovereignty and League obligations.

  • Effects on Germany:

    • Severe economic reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions led to anger and instability in Germany.