History
1. Causes of WWI
- Militarism: Arms race, military planning (e.g., Schlieffen Plan).
- Alliances: Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) vs. Triple Entente (France, Russia, Britain).
- Imperialism: Competition for colonies (e.g., Africa).
- Nationalism: Ethnic tensions in the Balkans (e.g., assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand).
2. How Far Did WWI Transform Lives?
- Trench Warfare:
- Conditions: Muddy, unsanitary, disease (e.g., trench foot).
- Impact: High casualty rates, psychological effects (shell shock).
- Recruitment & Conscription:
- Initial volunteerism followed by conscription (Military Service Act, 1916).
- Impact on workforce and societal roles (women in factories).
- Conscientious Objection:
- Examples of COs (e.g., Quakers) and their treatment.
- Legal and social challenges they faced.
- DORA (Defence of the Realm Act):
- Restrictions: Censorship, control of resources.
- Impact on daily life (e.g., curfew, rationing).
- Rationing:
- Introduced to manage food supply.
- Impact on diet and public health (e.g., introduction of food cards).
---
3. Russian Revolution: Causes and Events
- Autocracy and Tsardom of Nicholas II:
- Ineffective leadership, lack of reforms.
- Discontent among peasants and workers.
- Causes of the February 1917 Revolution:
- Economic hardship, food shortages, military failures.
- Role of protests and strikes in Petrograd.
- Collapse of the Provisional Government:
- Continued war effort, lack of land reforms.
- Loss of support from key groups (e.g., military, peasants).
- October 1917 Revolution:
- Key events: Bolshevik takeover, Storming of the Winter Palace.
- Role of Lenin and Trotsky, use of the Red Guards.
---
Techniques for Exam Questions
4-Mark Question Technique
- Identify: Clearly state the key point (fact or concept).
- Explain: Provide a brief explanation or context.
- Example: Use a specific example to support your point.
#### 6-Mark Question Technique
- Point 1: Make your first point, explain it, and give an example.
- Point 2: Make your second point, explain it, and give an example.
- Point 3: Optionally, include a contrasting point or a counterargument.
- Conclusion: Sum up your argument or provide a final thought.
#### “How Far Do These Sources Agree?” Question Technique
- Comparison: Compare the main ideas or arguments of the two sources.
- Agreement vs. Disagreement: Identify areas of agreement and disagreement.
- Context: Consider the context of each source (e.g., author, purpose).
- Conclusion: Make a judgment on how far they agree, supported by evidence from both sources
.