Flashcards World War 1; 1914-1918

Overview of Imperialism in the Modern World (1900)

  • Imperialism: The acquisition of territory or the domination of one nation by another.

  • Prominent Imperial Powers by 1900: Great Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, Japan, and the United States.

  • Map Highlights: Key locations marked include the Arctic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, and various nations including the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

The New Imperialism (Page 2)

  • Definition of New Imperialism: Characterized by rapid territorial expansion by European powers between 1870 and 1914.

  • Major Powers: List of imperial powers includes Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and others.

Causes of Imperialism (Page 6)

  • Economic Factors: Need for new markets for goods and raw materials.

  • Political/Military Reasons: National pride and competition among nations.

  • Religious/Humanitarian Motives: Desire to spread Christianity and Western civilization.

  • Social Darwinism: The belief that stronger nations had a right to conquer weaker ones.

European Rivalries (Page 10)

  • Key Rivalries:

    • France vs. Germany

    • Britain vs. Germany

    • Russia vs. Austria-Hungary

  • Balkan Peninsula: Identified as a hotbed of nationalist tensions leading to conflict.

Militarism (Page 12)

  • Militarization of Nations: Countries significantly increased their military capacities leading to suspicion and competition.

  • Arms Race: A race for military build-up between Germany and Britain.

Great Alliances and Treaties (Pages 13-15)

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

  • Triple Entente: A counter alliance including France, Russia, and Britain aiming to balance power against the Triple Alliance.

The Spark of War (Pages 16-17)

  • Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand: Event that triggered World War I; occurred in Sarajevo, Bosnia.

  • Response to Assassination: Austria-Hungary presents an ultimatum to Serbia, leading to declarations of war.

The Outbreak of World War I (Pages 18-21)

  • Chain Reaction of Alliances: The assassination prompts escalating mobilization among European powers, leading to a full-blown war.

  • Central Powers vs. Allied Powers: Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire) versus Allied Powers (Serbia, Russia, France, Great Britain).

Progress of the War (Pages 43-47)

  • Entry of Italy: Italy joins the Allies in 1915 due to territorial promises.

  • Low Morale and Supply Issues: By the third year of the war, armies struggle with low morale, food shortages, and high casualties.

Lasting Effects of World War I (Pages 76-79)

  • Human Toll: Approximately 8-10 million lives lost, widespread devastation across Europe leading to famine and political turmoil.

  • Armistice and Aftermath: Collapse of empires (e.g., Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires). Germany signs an armistice on November 11, 1918.

The Treaty of Versailles (Pages 82-84)

  • Key Provisions:

    • Germany held responsible for the war and required to pay reparations.

    • Territory changes and military restrictions imposed on Germany.

Self-determination After WWI (Pages 84-93)

  • Map Changes: Redrawing of national boundaries based on ethnic groups and nations seeking independence post-war.

  • Significant New Countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia emerge after the war.

  • Continued Nationalist Sentiments: National identity and claims for independence among various groups, including Hungary, Turkey, and others.

Legacy of the War and the League of Nations (Pages 97-99)

  • League of Nations: Founded as a peacekeeping organization; however, the U.S. did not join, highlighting international disagreements.

  • Future Wars: The text reflects on how memories of WWI may fade, with new generations facing their own conflicts.