Main Causes of World War I

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Questions and Answers

What was militarism and what did it cause?

The building up of an army or military to become more powerful; caused competition to be most powerful and fear of being taken over.

What is the main concept of alliances? What were some examples in this time period?

Countries forming economic partnerships

Countries hosting Olympic games together

Countries promising to help each other in war (correct)

Countries trading resources

What is imperialism and what was it caused by?

Stronger countries taking over weaker territories to gain power and benefit economically, politically, and socially; directly related to industrialization.

What is nationalism and what did it cause in WWI?

Intense pride in one's country; caused competition to be most powerful and fear of being taken over. Signup and view all the answers

What was the tipping point of the war and how did this cause the war to be a world war?

Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife Sophia were shot and killed; Austria-Hungary and Serbia went to war, causing their allies to enter the conflict. Signup and view all the answers

What were 3 out of the 5 reasons why the US entered WWI?

<ol> <li>American businesses supported the Allies because they had interests in Britain. 2. The Lusitania was sunk by Germans, killing 1,200 people including 128 Americans. 3. The Zimmerman Telegram promised Mexico territory lost in the Southwest.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What were two ways America paid for WWI?

Raising taxes and selling bonds. Signup and view all the answers

Describe The Great Migration.

Numerous African-Americans moved to Northern cities from 1914 to 1919. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Central Powers?

Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Allied Powers?

Britain, France, Serbia, USA. Signup and view all the answers

Describe No Man's Land in the trenches.

Barren region between opposing trenches on the battlefront. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Zimmerman Telegram?

A German letter seeking help from Mexico against the US. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Treaty of Versailles?

Name of the peace treaty signed at the end of WWI. Signup and view all the answers

What were the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles for Germany?

<ol> <li>Give up some territories. 2. Take full blame for the war. 3. Pay reparations. 4. Decrease the size and strength of their military.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Name 2 examples of weapons of mechanized warfare introduced in WWI.

<ol> <li>Airplanes. 2. Tanks.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Militarism: Increasing military strength led to competition among nations and heightened fears of invasion.

Alliances

Definition: Agreements between countries to provide mutual support, mainly in times of conflict.
Examples:
- Allied Powers included France and England supporting Serbia.
- Central Powers consisted of Germany and Austria-Hungary, with Italy initially allied.

Imperialism

Definition: Powerful nations expanding their influence by dominating weaker territories to achieve economic, political, and social benefits.
Relationship to Industrialization: Emerged from advancements in production capabilities, enabling mass weapon production.

Nationalism

Definition: Extreme pride in one’s nation leading to heightened competitiveness.
Consequence in WWI: Increased tension and fear of domination among nations.

Tipping Point of the War

Event: Assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife, leading to Austria-Hungary's war against Serbia.
Consequences: Triggered alliances, causing widespread conflict and making the war a global issue.

Reasons for U.S. Entry into WWI

Economic Interests: American businesses with investments in Britain favored the Allies.
Lusitania Incident: German u-boat attack sank the passenger liner, killing 1,200, including 128 Americans.
Zimmerman Telegram: Secret communication from Germany proposing a Mexican alliance against the U.S.
Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: German u-boats attacking American merchant ships.
Alliance with Britain: Established a strong connection and solidarity with the Allied Powers.

Financing WWI

Methods: The U.S. financed the war effort through tax increases and the sale of war bonds.

The Great Migration

Timeframe (1914-1919): Significant movement of African-Americans from Southern states to Northern cities, seeking better opportunities.

Central Powers

Members: Comprised Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

Allied Powers

Members: Included Britain, France, Serbia, and the USA.

No Man's Land

Definition: A desolate and dangerous area situated between opposing trench lines.

Zimmerman Telegram

Content: A German proposal to Mexico, suggesting support against the U.S. in exchange for reclaiming lost territories.

Treaty of Versailles

Overview: The peace agreement that ended WWI formally.

Harsh Terms for Germany in the Treaty of Versailles

Territorial Concessions: Required to cede various territories.
War Guilt Clause: Germany was to accept responsibility for the war.
Reparations: Obligated to pay substantial war reparations.
Military Restrictions: Size and strength of their military forces were to be significantly reduced.

Weapons of Mechanized Warfare

Innovations:
- Introduction of airplanes and tanks.
- Advancements in machine guns and heavy artillery.

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Description

Explore the key factors that led to World War I through flashcards. This quiz focuses on militarism, alliances, and their roles in escalating the conflict. Test your knowledge of the historical causes that shaped this significant event.