European Power Struggles (1815-1870)

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Questions and Answers

What was a significant consequence of Austria's defeat by Prussia in 1866?

Austria successfully annexed Lombardy.

Austria formed a key alliance with France.

Austria lost control of Venezia. (correct)

Austria became a dominant power in Italy.

What was the main aim of the Congress of Vienna in 1815?

To maintain a balance of power among the Great Powers. (correct)

To promote nationalism across Europe.

To establish military dominance for Britain.

To expand territories of the major powers.

Which of the following conflicts arose from the main rivalries during this period?

Germany and Austria over the Rhine.

France and Italy over Mediterranean routes.

Russia and Britain over colonial issues.

Germany and France over Alsace. (correct)

What was a key feature of the Schlieffen Plan?

Aiming for a quick defeat of France by invading through Belgium. Signup and view all the answers

How did Danilevsky's Pan-Slavism influence European regions?

It increased tensions in regions like Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the rigid diplomatic framework have on international conflicts?

It allowed smaller conflicts to escalate easily. Signup and view all the answers

What triggered a chain reaction of mobilization leading to war?

One country's mobilization prompting others to do the same. Signup and view all the answers

What was a characteristic of the Prussian military innovations by 1914?

A highly trained military force with unique concepts of mobilization. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Battle of the Marne?

It cost Germany the war and led to Moltke's resignation. Signup and view all the answers

Which health issue was commonly faced by soldiers in the trenches?

Trench foot from prolonged wet exposure. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor leading to the German victory at the Battle of Tannenberg?

Intercepted Russian orders due to coding failures. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the battles of attrition during 1915-1917?

Heavy losses with little territorial gain. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main challenge faced by Austria-Hungary during the early stages of World War I?

Internal disunity among its diverse army. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the communication trenches built during World War I?

They became impassable due to artillery fire. Signup and view all the answers

Who played a significant role in the defense during the Gallipoli Campaign?

Turkish hero Kemal. Signup and view all the answers

What was the notorious consequence of the unsuccessful offensives mounted by Austria-Hungary against Serbia?

They resulted in heavy losses, totaling 250,000 soldiers. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event is referred to as 'the miracle of the Marne'?

The French counter-attack in September 1914 Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objective of the Gallipoli Campaign?

To secure a sea route to Russia Signup and view all the answers

What was notable about the Second Battle of Ypres?

It introduced gas warfare on a large scale Signup and view all the answers

Which battle is associated with the phrase 'They shall not pass'?

Battle of Verdun Signup and view all the answers

What event led to the U.S. declaring war on Germany in 1917?

The Zimmerman Telegram Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of the Russian Revolution regarding WWI?

It altered the balance of power as Russia withdrew from the war Signup and view all the answers

Which statement aligns with the traditionalist view of the responsibility for WWI?

It attributes primary responsibility to Germany Signup and view all the answers

What role did propaganda play during WWI?

It helped to rally support for the war effort Signup and view all the answers

What marked the first large-scale use of gas warfare against Canadian troops?

Second Battle of Ypres Signup and view all the answers

What event resulted in approximately 1,260 deaths and raised tensions between Germany and the U.S.?

Lusitania Incident Signup and view all the answers

What was the French motto during the Battle of Verdun?

They shall not pass Signup and view all the answers

What significant Russian offensive broke through initially on a 200-mile front?

Brusilov Offensive Signup and view all the answers

Which battle concluded with both sides claiming victory despite significant losses?

Battle of Jutland Signup and view all the answers

What event played a crucial role in the entry of the U.S. into World War I?

Zimmerman Telegram Signup and view all the answers

What campaign was noted for its heavy casualties and muddy conditions, linked to General Haig?

Passchendaele Signup and view all the answers

What major action took place on November 11, 1918, marking the end of hostilities?

Armistice Agreement Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Austrian Anomaly (1860-1866)

Austria lost military battles against France and Piedmont, losing Lombardy in 1860s.
Austria lost to Prussia in 1866, leading to the Treaty of Prague and loss of Venezia.
Austria's unstable governance resulted from not being a German or Italian power. Instability due to Magyars' anxieties about Slavic populations.

The Lost Utopia (Congress of Vienna 1815)

The Congress aimed for a balance of power among major European powers (Germany, Austria, Britain, France, Russia, Italy).
Despite aiming for peace, the 1860s-1870s saw multiple major wars.
Pan-Slavism, especially by Danilevsky, influenced regions like Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia.

Causes in the West

Alliances between France and Russia were created to maintain peace but ultimately led to war.

Main Rivalries

Franco-German rivalry centered on Alsace.
Austro-Russian rivalry centered on the Balkans.
Anglo-German rivalry over naval and economical power.

Rigid Diplomatic Framework

The system of alliances created a rigid framework. This resulted in small conflicts escalating into larger wars.

Military Strategies and Mobilization

Schlieffen Plan (Count Alfred von Schlieffen): A quick victory over France through Belgium with the goal of quickly defeating France then Russia within 6 months.
The plan relied on rapid mobilization (France in 15 days, Russia in 6 weeks). This was problematic due to vast territory and poor transportation.
Prussian military innovations included reserves, mobilization, and a general staff.
Germany had 750,000 active troops and 4.5 million reserves in 1914.
Mobilization in one country triggered a chain reaction, making war inevitable.

Key Events Leading to War

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Initial Military Engagements

Battle of the Marne: French counter-attacked, resulting in a crucial turning point and near defeat for Germany.
First Battle of Ypres: Led to entrenched warfare.
Trench Warfare: Soldiers faced harsh conditions in muddy, dangerous environments.
Communication Trenches: Used for communication and troop movement but frequently became impassable due to artillery fire.

World War I Detailed Notes

Tannenberg: The French urged Russia to mobilize, but the Russians' poor communications allowed Germany to intercept messages allowing them to defeat the Russians.
Austria-Hungary: Austria-Hungary faced setbacks between August and November 1914 achieving little against significant losses.

Battles of Attrition (1915-1917)

Characterized by heavy losses on both sides with very little territorial gains.
High costs of human life and military resources.
Gallipoli Campaign: Churchill was the architect with heavy casualties despite British efforts.
Second Battle of Ypres: First large scale use of poisoned gas.
Lusitania Incident: The sinking of the Lusitania resulted in significant tensions leading to more hostility.
Gallipoli Landings: The landings were part of the Gallipoli campaign.
T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia): He fought alongside Arab forces vs. the Turks.
Easter Rising: Irish rebels proclaimed Irish independence but were squashed quickly by British forces.
Battle of Jutland: A naval confrontation where both sides claimed victory.

Brusilov Offensive (1916)

Significant Russian offensive against Austria but stalled.

U.S. Entry into the War (1917)

Followinng the Zimmerman Telegram and Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, the U.S. joined the war.

1918

Armistarce signed on Nov. 11, 1918.
Kaiser abdicated, leading to the Socialist Republic in Germany.
Hindenburg's statement indicated a need for peace.
High casualty rates for both sides.
Treaty of Versailles.
Traditionalist, Revisionist, and Counter-Revisionist views on blame.
Propaganda, Zeppelin raids, and air warfare.

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Description

Explore the historical dynamics of European power from the Congress of Vienna to the conflicts of the 1860s. This quiz covers key events such as the Austrian Anomaly, the influence of Pan-Slavism, and the major rivalries that shaped Europe. Test your knowledge on how alliances and rivalries influenced the continent's fate.