Main Causes of WW1 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What were the four main causes of World War I?

Imperialism (correct)

Nationalism (correct)

Militarism (correct)

Alliances (correct)

What is nationalism?

Displaying pride in one's country.

What two European nations formed as a result of nationalism?

Italy and Germany in the 1870s.

Why would citizens from Bosnia not like the leaders of Austria-Hungary?

Bosnians wanted to separate from Austria-Hungary; they resented the rulers for keeping them in an empire. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Russia support the pan-Slavic movement?

They didn't like Austria-Hungary, and they wanted the people to be free or independent. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the Balkans called the powder keg of Europe?

Because they had an abundance of materials. Signup and view all the answers

How did nationalism cause World War I?

People felt that one's country was above all others, leading to ethnic tensions. Signup and view all the answers

What is imperialism?

A policy of extending a country's power and influence by diplomacy or military force. Signup and view all the answers

What countries were involved in imperialism?

Britain, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, France. Signup and view all the answers

How could Germany increase the size of its empire?

By taking over other countries. Signup and view all the answers

How did imperialism cause World War I?

Growing competition against other countries for empires led to growing conflicts among European powers. Signup and view all the answers

What is an alliance?

Where two countries help each other if war broke out. Signup and view all the answers

What were the two major prewar alliances?

Triple Alliance and Triple Entente. Signup and view all the answers

What countries were members of the Triple Alliance?

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

What countries were members of the Triple Entente?

Britain, France, Russia. Signup and view all the answers

How did alliances cause World War I?

The prewar alliances caused powerful nations of Europe to choose sides. Signup and view all the answers

What is militarism?

Getting caught up in the glory and the power of the military. Signup and view all the answers

What were the three reasons European nations felt it was necessary to take part in an arms race?

<ol> <li>Imperialistic ambitions 2) Defense against aggressive nations 3) To be part of an alliance.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is conscription?

Forced military service. Signup and view all the answers

Why did many European armies feel that conscription was necessary?

Imperialist ambitions and defense against aggressive nations. Signup and view all the answers

What new weapons were invented in World War I as a result of militarism?

HMS Dreadnought, fighter planes, tanks, chemical warfare, machine guns, howitzers, zeppelins, and trench mortars. Signup and view all the answers

How did militarism cause World War I?

Increased the size of armies and navies, leading to an arms race and military influence over government. Signup and view all the answers

What were the Central Powers?

An alliance formed between Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria. Signup and view all the answers

What were the Allied Powers?

An alliance formed between France, Great Britain, Russia, and later the USA. Signup and view all the answers

What are Soviets?

Committees to represent their interests. Signup and view all the answers

What are Bolsheviks?

A radical group of socialists. Signup and view all the answers

What is propaganda?

Information designed to influence public opinions. Signup and view all the answers

Who are civilians?

Nonmilitary citizens. Signup and view all the answers

What is trench warfare?

Fought in two lines of trenches. Signup and view all the answers

What is a front?

A line where opposing armies face each other. Signup and view all the answers

What is neutrality?

A policy of not taking sides. Signup and view all the answers

What is an arms race?

Building huge armies and navies to outdo rival nations and protect world interests. Signup and view all the answers

What is mobilization?

The assembly and movement of troops. Signup and view all the answers

What is an entente?

An understanding between nations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the balance of power?

A situation where both sides have equal power. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Main Causes of World War I

Four primary causes identified as militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism.

Nationalism

Characterized by strong pride and loyalty towards one's nation.
Led to the unification of Italy and Germany in the 1870s.
Citizens of Bosnia resented Austrian-Hungarian rulers wishing for independence.

Pan-Slavic Movement

Supported by Russia to promote Slavic independence against Austria-Hungary.

Balkans as Power Keg

Region known for its rich resources which contributed to tensions and conflicts leading up to the war.

Role of Nationalism in WWI

Contributed by fostering a belief in national superiority and increasing ethnic tensions among various groups.

Imperialism

Defined as the expansion of a nation's influence through diplomacy or military force.
Countries involved included Britain, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and France.
Germany sought increased empire size through the annexation of other nations.
Fuelled competition and conflict for resources, making war inevitable.

Alliances

Alliances meant mutual support among nations in times of war.
Key prewar alliances included the Triple Alliance (Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary) and the Triple Entente (Britain, France, Russia).
Created a divided Europe where powerful nations had to choose sides, heightening tensions.

Militarism

A culture celebrating military power and strength among European nations.
Three driving factors for an arms race: imperial ambitions, national defense, and alliance commitments.
Conscription became a common practice, ensuring large military forces.

Technological Advancements in Warfare

Innovation in weaponry included dreadnoughts, fighter planes, tanks, chemical weapons, machine guns, howitzers, zeppelins, and trench mortars.

Militarism's Impact on WWI

Resulted in larger armies, an accelerated arms race, and military leaders exerting influence on government policy.

Alliances in WWI

Central Powers included Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.
Allied Powers comprised France, Great Britain, Russia, and later the USA.

Other Key Concepts

Civilians defined as non-military individuals affected by war dynamics.
Trench warfare characterized combat in fortified ditches, representing a new military strategy.
Neutrality indicated a stance of non-involvement in conflicts.
Balance of power aimed for equal strength among nations to prevent dominance by one nation.

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Description

Explore the key factors that led to World War I through these flashcards. Learn about militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism, as well as the impact of these elements on European nations. Perfect for history enthusiasts or students preparing for exams.