Questions and Answers
What is the definition of a total war?
A war which is unrestricted in terms of the weapons used, the territory or combatants involved, or the objectives pursued, especially one in which the accepted rules of war are disregarded.
What banned the use of poison gas before WW1?
The Hague Convention of 1899.
Who was the historian that commented on total war stating 'only victory would do'?
PMH Bell.
What was the estimated number of extermination in the Armenian Genocide in WW1?
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What proportion of casualties in WW1 were civilians?
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What act established government control over industries in WW1?
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What proportion of workers in 1917 were women?
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For how long, if the women in the factories stopped working, would it lead to losing the war?
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What was the wage situation between the sexes during the war?
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What was the distance in which Paris was shelled by the 'Long Max'?
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What was the average calorie intake of a German adult in the winter of 1916-7?
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How many departments were set up in France to centralize and control the economy?
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What was the result of the decentralization of control in Russia?
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What evidence suggests that Germany believed they could pay back debts in victory?
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What was the tax raise in Britain during the war?
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Study Notes
Total War Definition
- Total war is an unrestricted conflict involving all aspects of society, disregarding traditional rules of warfare.
- Key objectives may include complete victory at any cost.
International Agreements
- The Hague Convention of 1899 prohibited the use of poison gas prior to World War I.
Historical Perspective
- Historian PMH Bell emphasized that the only acceptable outcome of total war is decisive victory.
Armenian Genocide
- The Armenian Genocide during WW1 resulted in the extermination of approximately 1.5 million individuals.
Civilian Casualties
- Civilians accounted for 1/20 of the total casualties in World War I, indicating significant non-combatant losses.
Government Intervention
- The Defence of the Realm Act (DORA) enacted in 1914 allowed for extensive government control over industries to support the war effort.
Women's Workforce
- By 1917, women made up about 1/4 of the total workforce, indicating a significant shift in employment demographics due to the war.
Impact of Women in Factories
- Joseph Joffre noted that if women in factories ceased work for just 20 minutes, it could lead to defeat in the war effort.
Wage Disparity
- Wages remained unequal between men and women throughout the war, highlighting ongoing gender disparities in the labor market.
Artillery Range
- The "Long Max" artillery was capable of shelling Paris from a distance of 126 km, demonstrating the reach of technologically advanced weaponry.
Nutrition and Health
- During the winter of 1916-17, the average calorie intake for a German adult plummeted to 1000 calories, reflecting severe food shortages.
Economic Control in France
- France established 33 departments aimed at centralizing and controlling the nation's economy for wartime efficiency.
Russian Political Structure
- Tsar Nicolas II reasserted control over the Duma, leading to a decentralization of authority and complicating governance during the war.
Germany's Financial Assumptions
- Germany's strategy included minimal tax increases of merely 6%, reflecting an assumption that victory would enable repayment of war debts.
British Taxation
- Britain implemented a tax increase of 20% to support the military and national expenditures during World War I.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the concept of total war and its implications during World War I. These flashcards cover definitions, historical context, and significant regulations such as the Hague Convention. Perfect for students and history enthusiasts alike.
