108 Questions
Which event led to Germany declaring war on Russia?
Russia refusing to demobilize within 12 hours
Why did Britain declare war on Germany?
Germany's invasion of Belgium
What was the goal of the Sykes-Picot Agreement?
To find allies within the Ottoman Empire
Who was the Sharif of Mecca that promised an Arab homeland?
Hussein bin Ali
When did Austria-Hungary attack the Serbian capital of Belgrade?
July 28
When did Britain and France declare war on Austria-Hungary?
August 12
What is the primary reason for the decline of the coalition according to the text?
Rising nationalism
What event triggered the collapse of the Vienna system?
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
What was the motivation behind Gavrillo Princip's action in Sarajevo?
He was a Bosnian nationalist
What was the primary threat to the Austro-Hungarian empire?
The Russian threat of seizing its territories
What was the consequence of the rigid coalitions formed by European powers?
The collapse of the Vienna system
What was the primary reason for the formation of the Franco-Russian alliance?
To counter the threat of Germany
What percentage of world manufacturing output did Europe have in 1800?
28%
What led to European supremacy in the 19th century?
All of the above
What was the percentage of world manufacturing output of India in 1900?
2%
What was the reason for Europe's rise to 62% of world manufacturing output in 1900?
Industrial revolution
What was the significance of the percentage of world manufacturing output in 1750-1900?
representation of a country's economy
What was the significance of the Vienna system?
It prevented war among European powers
What was the main reason for Europe's rise to global dominance?
All of the above
What was the outcome of the discussions among European powers in 1850?
The recognition of Belgium's independence
What was one of the main reasons for the failure of the League of Nations?
All of the above.
What was a consequence of the territorial losses imposed on Germany after the war?
Germans were frustrated and felt blamed by other countries.
Which of the following was NOT a consequence of the war for Germany?
Gain of new territories.
What was one of the primary motivations for Germany's desire for expansion, according to the map?
A need for more living space.
Who was the key figure associated with the establishment of the League of Nations?
Woodrow Wilson.
What was the result of the veto power given to every member of the League of Nations?
Every decision needed to be unanimous.
What was the main goal of the Allied Forces in 1944?
To achieve unconditional surrender from Germany
What was the main concern of the Western powers regarding the Soviet Union?
That the Soviet Union would invade Eastern Europe
What was the purpose of the conferences among the Allied Forces?
To coordinate war efforts and prevent another war
What was the relationship between Giraud and de Gaulle?
They were enemies and rivals
What was the outcome of the meeting between Giraud and de Gaulle?
They decided to reorganize France and fight together
What was the significance of the Casablanca conference?
It led to the invasion of Sicily
What was the main question that the Allied Forces needed to answer?
How to win the war?
What was the goal of the Allied Forces regarding Germany?
To make Germany surrender unconditionally
What is the primary reason for the decline of the coalition according to the author?
Rising nationalism
What is the similarity between the current situation and the Roman Empire?
Both had internal diversity that led to their decline
What is the primary threat to the Austro-Hungarian empire, according to the text?
Russian threat of seizing remains of the Ottoman empire
What event marked the beginning of the end of the Vienna system?
Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
What is the consequence of the rigid coalitions formed by European powers?
The collapse of the Vienna system
What is the motivation behind Gavrillo Princip's action?
Nationalist sentiment
Why did Germany declare war on France in 1940?
To pass through Belgium and attack France
What was the main reason behind Germany's Operation Barbarossa?
To access resources and supplies from Soviet Union
Why did Germany underestimate Soviet Union's resilience during Operation Barbarossa?
Due to the poor performance of the Red Army
What was the outcome of Germany's invasion of Soviet Union?
It marked the beginning of the end for Germany
Why did Germany attack France in 1940?
To prevent France from attacking Germany
Why did Germany take Denmark and then passed through Belgium to attack France?
To avoid the Maginot Line
What was the main reason behind the Soviet Union's decision to join the Allied Powers?
To counter the German invasion of Soviet Union
What was the outcome of the German invasion of Soviet Union on the Eastern Front?
It marked the beginning of the end for Germany
What was the primary reason for Germany's annexation of Austria in 1938?
To reunite German-speaking populations
What was the significance of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact in 1939?
It led to the invasion of Poland by Germany and the Soviet Union
What was the outcome of the Munich Agreement in 1938?
The annexation of Sudetenland by Germany
Why did Germany invade Poland in 1939?
To create a pretext for war with the United Kingdom and France
What was the consequence of the annexation of Austria by Germany in 1938?
The creation of a larger German empire
What was the significance of the German invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1939?
It demonstrated the appeasement policy of the United Kingdom and France
What was the primary goal of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor?
To control the Western powers in the Pacific
What was the consequence of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor?
The USA entered World War II
What was the outcome of the Soviet invasion of Poland in 1939?
The division of Poland between Germany and the Soviet Union
What was the primary motivation behind Germany's foreign policy in the 1930s?
To reunite German-speaking populations and create a larger German empire
What was the significance of the Allied Invasion of Sicily and Italy in July 1943?
It marked a decisive turning point in the war on the Western Front
What was the primary reason for the British destruction of the French fleet in Morocco?
To prevent the Germans from taking control of the ships
What was the significance of the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day?
It marked a decisive turning point in the war on the Western Front
Why did the Germans send a part of their army to defend Italy?
To prevent the Allies from invading Italy
What was the outcome of the Allied invasion of North Africa?
The Allies secured the region
What was the primary goal of Japan's expansionist policies in the Pacific?
To control the Western powers in the Pacific
What was the initial plan for Germany after it was defeated?
Divide it into four zones
Why did Stalin not like the idea of the UN?
Because he didn't have a veto
What was the role of Attlee in the Potsdam Conference?
Representing the UK
What did the USA reveal to Stalin during the Potsdam Conference?
Their new weapon
What was the primary goal of the USSR during the Potsdam Conference?
All of the above
What was the main concern of Britain regarding the post-war period?
Their vital interests in the Middle East and the Mediterranean
What was the outcome of the Potsdam Conference regarding Germany?
Germany was divided into four zones
What was the relationship between the USA and the USSR regarding Eastern Europe?
The USSR had leverage over Eastern Europe
Which event led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia?
Austria-Hungary's ultimatum to Serbia was declined
What was the consequence of Germany's demand for free passage through Belgium?
Britain declared war on Germany
Who was the key figure in sparking a revolt among Arabs in 1916?
Thomas E. Lawrence
What was the goal of the Sykes-Picot Agreement?
To find allies within the Ottoman Empire
When did Austria-Hungary attack the Serbian capital of Belgrade?
July 28
What was the ally of Germany and Austria-Hungary in the war?
Ottoman Empire
What percentage of world manufacturing output did China have in 1800?
33%
What was the purpose of the Sykes-Picot agreement?
To divide Arab territories between Britain and France
What led to Europe's rise to 62% of world manufacturing output in 1900?
The industrial and financial revolutions
What was the main reason for European supremacy in the 19th century?
All of the above
What was the outcome of the Russian Revolution in 1917?
The abdication of the Tsar and the creation of the Soviet Union
Who was the key figure in the Russian Revolution?
Lenin
What happened to China's percentage of world manufacturing output from 1800 to 1900?
It decreased from 33% to 6%
What was the significance of the percentage of world manufacturing output in 1750-1900?
It reflected the economic strength of each country
What was the outcome of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in 1918?
The war in the East ended
What was the outcome of the discussions among European powers in 1850?
The creation of Belgium
What was the condition of the population in Russia before the revolution?
Suffering due to food crisis and tensions
What was the significance of the Russian Revolution?
It led to the creation of the Soviet Union
What was the primary reason for European supremacy?
All of the above
What was the significance of the industrial and financial revolutions?
It led to the rise of European Empires
What was the goal of Lenin and the Bolsheviks?
To establish a socialist government
What was the outcome of the Russian Civil War?
The Bolsheviks emerged victorious and created the Soviet Union
What was the main reason for the establishment of the League of Nations?
To promote international cooperation and prevent future wars
What was the consequence of the territorial losses imposed on Germany after the war?
Germany lost its colonies and territories
What was one of the primary motivations for Germany's desire for expansion, according to the map?
To gain more living space
What was the problem with the League of Nations' decision-making process?
Every decision needed to be taken by everyone, and every member had a veto
What was the reason for Germany's frustration after World War I?
They lost their colonies and territories
Who was the key figure associated with the establishment of the League of Nations?
Woodrow Wilson
When did Japan join the Axis powers?
September 1940
What event led to the United States' entry into World War II?
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
What was Japan's primary goal in the Pacific?
To become the strongest nation in the Pacific
What was the result of the Allied invasion of Sicily and Italy in July 1943?
The Allies were victorious, and Italy surrendered
What was the significance of the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day?
It marked the beginning of the end of the war in Europe
Why did the British destroy the French fleet in Morocco?
To prevent Germany from taking control of the ships
What was the consequence of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor?
The United States declared war on Japan and Germany
What was the outcome of the German invasion of Italy?
The Allies liberated Italy
Study Notes
World War I
- Austria-Hungary advances ultimatum to Serbia on July 23, 1914, which is declined
- Austria-Hungary attacks the Serbian capital of Belgrade on July 28, 1914
- Russia backs Serbia and mobilizes on July 30, 1914
- Austria-Hungary and Germany mobilize on July 31, 1914, while Germany demands Russia demobilize within 12 hours
- Germany declares war on Russia on August 1, 1914, in support of Austria-Hungary
- Austria-Hungary follows on August 6, 1914
- France fully mobilizes in support of Russia on August 2, 1914
- Germany demands free passage through Belgium, invades on August 4, 1914
- Britain declares war on Germany on August 4, 1914
- Britain and France declare war on Austria-Hungary on August 12, 1914
Rise of European Empires
- In 1800, the share of world manufacturing output was: China 33%, India 20%, and Europe 28%
- After the industrial and financial revolutions, in 1900: China 6%, India 2%, and Europe 62%
- European supremacy was due to lead in technology and finance, effective nation-states, and a search for commodities leading to colonization
The Sykes-Picot Agreement
- The Ottoman Empire was an ally to Germany and Austria-Hungary
- British and French sought to find allies within the Ottoman Empire
- Thomas E. Lawrence sparked a revolt among Arabs in 1916 through the Sharif of Mecca, Hussein bin Ali, and his son Emir Faisal, promising an Arab homeland if they fought their Ottoman rulers
Post-WWI
- The Treaty of Versailles led to territorial losses for Germany
- Germans were frustrated, and other countries blamed them for the war, demanding reparations
WWII
- Preparing for the war: European populations, 1937
- Second front in France, 1944
- Main questions: How to win the war? How to deal with Germany after Hitler? How to manage the chaos in the liberated regions?
Post-WWII
- Need for coordination among the Allied Forces
- How to end the war and prevent the Soviet Union from taking over Eastern Europe
- How to manage the chaos in the liberated regions?
- Conferences were organized to address these questions
Rigid Coalitions
- Austria-Hungary is the main ally of an isolated Germany, threatened by the Franco-Russian alliance.
- The Vienna system no longer works.
Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
- June 28, 1914: Gavrillo Princip, a Bosnian nationalist, kills Franz Ferdinand, heir to Austria-Hungary, in Sarajevo.
German Aggression
- 1938: Germany rebuilds its economy and military, violating the Treaty of Versailles.
- Germany annexes Austria and Sudetenland, claiming to unite German-speaking people.
- 1939: Germany invades Poland, prompting France and the UK to declare war.
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
- August 23, 1939: The Soviet Union and Germany sign a neutrality pact, dividing Poland and Eastern Europe.
- September 1, 1939: Germany invades Poland, followed by Soviet occupation of eastern Poland.
World War II Key Events: Europe
- 1940: Germany invades Denmark, Norway, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France.
- 1941: Germany launches Operation Barbarossa, invading the Soviet Union.
- July 1941: The Soviet Union joins the Allied Powers.
World War II Key Events: The Pacific
- 1940: Japan joins the Axis powers.
- December 7, 1941: Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, drawing the United States into the war.
- 1942: Japan attacks Thailand, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Dutch Indonesia.
World War II Key Events: West
- 1943: Allied invasion of Sicily and Italy.
- June 1944: Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day, prioritizing the Western Front.
Potsdam Conference
- 1945: The United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union confer to carve up Germany into four zones, dividing Berlin.
- Stalin, Truman, and Attlee discuss the use of a new weapon and the post-war reorganization of Europe.
World War I
- Austria-Hungary advances ultimatum to Serbia on July 23, which is declined, leading to Austria-Hungary attacking the Serbian capital of Belgrade on July 28
- Russia backs Serbia and mobilizes on July 30, and Austria-Hungary and Germany mobilize on July 31, while Germany demands Russia demobilize within 12 hours
- Russia declines, and Germany declares war on Russia on August 1 in support of Austria-Hungary
- Austria-Hungary follows on August 6, and France fully mobilizes in support of Russia on August 2
- Germany demands free passage through Belgium, invades on August 4, and consequently, Britain declares war on Germany on August 4
- Britain and France declare war on Austria-Hungary on August 12
The Sykes-Picot Agreement
- The Ottoman Empire is an ally to Germany and Austria-Hungary
- British and French seek to find allies within the Ottoman Empire
- Thomas E. Lawrence sparks a revolt among Arabs in 1916 through the Sharif of Mecca, Hussein bin Ali, and his son Emir Faisal, promising an Arab homeland if they fight their Ottoman rulers
- The British and French divide Arab territories among them through the Sykes-Picot Agreement in 1916
Dynamics leading up to WW2
- The Russian Revolution (1917)
- The Treaty of Versailles (1919)
The Russian Revolution
- First phase: February 1917
- Provisional government, initially supported by the Petrograd Soviet
- Abdication of the Tsar and abolition of the monarchy
- Soviets (‘Councils of workmen and soldiers’)
- The Bolshevik party and the return of Lenin
- Second phase: October 1917
- Bolshevik takeover (October 25)
- March 1918: Signing of the Brest-Litovsk peace Treaty, ending the War in the East
- Civil war and the creation of the Soviet-Union (USSR) in 1922
Rise of European Empires
- In 1800, the share of world manufacturing output reflected population: China 33%, India 20%, and Europe 28%
- After the industrial and financial revolutions, in 1900: China 6%, India 2%, and Europe 62%
- European supremacy: lead in technology and finance, effective nation states, and search for commodities → colonization
WWI: The Broken Vienna System
- By 1850, European powers (Russia, Germany, Austria, Great-Britain) decide to discuss instead of doing war, leading to the establishment of Belgium
- The League of Nations is established, but it doesn't work due to American supervision, lack of an army, and the inability of the losers of the war (USSR, Germany) to participate
WWII: Setting the Stage for the Cold War
- Preparing for the war: European populations, 1937, with Germans seeking more space
WWII Key Events
- The Pacific: Japan joins the Axis powers (September 1940), and Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941) brings the US into the war
- Japan attacks Thailand, Hong Kong (December 8, 1941), Philippines (December 10, 1941), and Dutch Indonesia (January 10, 1942)
- The goal of the Japanese is to attack the Americans and control them, thus helping the others
- The Pacific is dominated by Western powers, with Japan seeking to become the strongest nation
- The Americans are involved in the war, which is not good for Russia and Germany
- WWII key events: West
- July 1943: Allied invasion of Sicily and Italy
- June 1944: Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day and prioritization of the Western Front
Test your knowledge of the events leading up to the outbreak of World War I. From Austria-Hungary's ultimatum to Serbia to Germany's declaration of war on Russia, see how well you understand the timeline of events.
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