GCSE History Conflict and Tension 1894-1918

Austria-Hungary was a multi-ethnic empire, containing Germans, Serbs, Czechs, and Slovaks, among others. These groups often sought independence.

Serbia, neighboring Austria-Hungary, grew stronger after the Balkan Wars. This heightened tensions with Austria-Hungary.

Serbia allied with Russia. This strengthened Serbia's position and made Austria-Hungary's concerns about the region greater.

France was concerned about Germany after Germany's victory in 1870. They formed a military alliance with Russia.

Italy was a newly unified nation in 1871 but was not as strong militarily or industrially as some other powers.

Russia faced significant internal problems, including a revolution in 1905, even though Tsar Nicholas II survived.

Russia was most worried about Austria-Hungary, but Germany also became a major concern.

Britain viewed Germany's growing power as a threat to its own position and empire.

Germany's strategy to quickly defeat France before Russia could mobilize.

Belgium's strong opposition to German advance, delaying the German forces and giving Allies time to mobilize.

Early battle on Western Front between the BEF and German forces. BEF slowed German advance, but couldn't stop it.

Standard British rifle of the early 20th century, effective weapon that gave British soldiers a good defence in their battle.

Crucial battle in September 1914 where the German advance towards Paris was halted.

Russia's faster-than-expected mobilization put pressure on Germany, threatening Schlieffen Plan.

The failure of the Schlieffen Plan and technological advancements led to a lengthy, and difficult war in Western Europe (France and Belgium).

Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie on June 28, 1914, triggering a cascade of events leading to World War I.

Austria-Hungary presented Serbia with a 10-point ultimatum, demanding Serbia accept harsh terms or face war.

Assassin of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, a member of the Black Hand gang, whose actions ignited World War I.

Serbian nationalist group responsible for planning Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination.

German military plan for a two-front war against France and Russia.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Gavrilo Princip, combined with a complex web of alliances and political tensions.

Following Serbia's partial rejection of Austria-Hungary's ultimatum, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.

Russia mobilized its army in support of Serbia, drawing other nations into the conflict.

Germany declared war on Russia in response to Russia mobilizing its forces.

A key battle where British and French forces halted the German advance, pushing them back to the River Aisne.

A deadlock in the war, where both sides dug trenches and neither could advance, due to equal strength and desire to avoid a prolonged war.

The attempt by Germany to outflank the Allied forces along the Western Front resulting in a continuous line of trenches from the Belgium coast to the Alps.

Germany's initial strategy of quickly defeating France failed due to Russia mobilizing faster than expected, forcing Germany to divert troops to the Eastern Front.

Ditches dug by both sides to protect soldiers from enemy fire during WWI's Stalemate.

The major battlefront in Western Europe during WWI, characterized by trench warfare along a line from the Belgian coast to the Alps.

The USA joined World War I in April 1917 due to continued German U-boat attacks on Allied and American ships.

In November 1917, the Communists (Bolsheviks) took power in Russia, eventually leading to a cease-fire with Germany and peace negotiations, weakening the Allies.

A major German offensive in 1918, aiming for a swift victory before more American troops arrived.

Germany faced severe shortages of food and supplies due to the Allied naval blockade, affecting morale and the army.

The US was bringing roughly 50,000 troops per month to Europe, negatively impacting Germany's chances of victory.

Germany's strategy in 1918 was to quickly gain a decisive victory on the Western Front before more American troops arrived.

The spirits and confidence of soldiers, often maintained through humour and companionship.

British army units formed from friends, often with a promise of fighting together.

Regular food supplies for soldiers, often better than expected and supplemented with gifts.

The amount of time soldiers spent in the trenches, averaging around ten days per month.

Large guns used in warfare, significantly impactful and a key factor in the stalemate.

Automatic weapons, key element in the war and often copied by other countries.

A feared weapon, causing significant casualties and requiring quickly developed protective gear.

Major innovation of WW1, first developed by Britain.

Used for reconnaissance and other roles in WW1, continuously evolving.

Soldiers' time outside the trenches for relaxation and entertainment, including sports and visiting French towns.