World War I: Causes and Beginning

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Questions and Answers

Explain how the system of secret alliances contributed to the escalation of World War I following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand?

The secret alliances created a domino effect. When Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, Russia mobilized to support Serbia, triggering Germany's declaration of war on Russia and France due to pre-existing agreements. This brought more countries into the conflict.

Describe two ways in which new military technologies used during World War I impacted the nature of warfare, and provide a specific example of each to support your description.

Machine guns led to trench warfare by creating a defensive advantage and high casualties. Tanks reduced the effectiveness of trench warfare by crossing trenches and barbed wire.

In what ways did nationalism contribute to the start of World War I, and how did it manifest differently in various European countries?

Nationalism intensified rivalries. In some areas, like Alsace-Lorraine, it caused conflict over contested regions. In others, it fueled expansionist policies and competition for colonies.

How did the economic devastation of Germany after World War I, caused by the Treaty of Versailles, contribute to the rise of extremist ideologies in the interwar period?

<p>Economic hardship created discontent and resentment, which extremist groups exploited. These groups blamed external forces for Germany's problems, gaining popular support.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of imperialism as a cause of World War I, focusing on how competition for colonies increased tensions among European powers.

<p>Competition for colonies led to increased tensions between European powers, heightened by the perception that acquiring colonies was essential for economic growth and national prestige.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the entry of the United States into World War I in 1917 shift the balance of power, and what impact did this have on the outcome of the war?

<p>The U.S. entry provided the Allies with crucial resources and manpower. This strengthened the Allied forces and tipped the balance against the Central Powers, leading to their defeat.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the intended purpose of the League of Nations. Why did it ultimately fail to prevent future wars?

<p>The League intended to promote international cooperation and prevent future wars through diplomacy and collective security. It failed due to lack of U.S. participation, enforcement issues, and inability to address major powers' aggression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did trench warfare on the Western Front contribute to a prolonged stalemate during World War I, and what were some of the major challenges faced by soldiers in the trenches?

<p>Trench warfare provided a defensive advantage, making it difficult for either side to gain significant ground. Soldiers faced constant danger from enemy fire, disease, and harsh environmental conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the main goals of Germany's Schlieffen Plan at the start of World War I, and why did it ultimately fail to achieve its objectives?

<p>The Schlieffen Plan aimed to quickly defeat France before turning to Russia. It failed due to Belgian resistance, slower than expected mobilization, and the rigidity of the plan.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the technological advancements of World War I render old military tactics obsolete, and can you give one specific example to illustrate this?

<p>Advancements like machine guns and rapid-firing artillery made mass infantry charges obsolete. For example, the traditional bayonet charge became suicidal against entrenched machine gun positions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Pratham Vishwa Yudh

A global conflict from 1914 to 1918, also known as the Great War.

Rashtravad (Nationalism)

A strong sense of pride and devotion to one's nation, growing in 19th-century Europe.

Samrajyavad (Imperialism)

Rivalry among major European countries for colonies, leading to increased tension and competition.

Sainyavad (Militarism)

The buildup of large armies by major European countries, creating a readiness for war.

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Gupt Sandhiyan (Secret Alliances)

Secret agreements between European countries that obligated them to defend one another if attacked.

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Archduke Franz Ferdinand's Hatya

The assassination of Austria-Hungary's Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914.

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Khandaq Yudh (Trench Warfare)

A form of warfare in which soldiers lived in trenches, providing protection from enemy fire.

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Jahaj (Airplanes)

The use of airplanes for reconnaissance and bombing enemy targets.

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Gas (Poison Gas)

Poisonous substances used to incapacitate or kill soldiers.

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League of Nations

An organization formed to promote international cooperation and prevent future wars.

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Study Notes

  • Pratham Vishwa Yudh, also known as Pehla Vishwa Yudh or the Great War, was a global war from 1914 to 1918

Main Reasons

  • Nationalism: In the 19th century, the feeling of nationalism was increasing in Europe, which led to conflicts over disputed areas like Alsace-Lorraine
  • Imperialism: Competition for colonies was increasing between the major countries of Europe, which increased tension and competition
  • Militarism: The major countries of Europe had built large armies and they were ready for war; Germany, in particular, was rapidly expanding its army, which worried Britain
  • Secret Treaties: European countries had made secret treaties, which meant that if one country was attacked, other countries would have to come forward to defend it

Beginning of the War

  • On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated in Sarajevo
  • Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, triggering a series of treaties that dragged major countries into the conflict
  • Germany declared war on Russia, and then on France
  • Germany invaded Belgium, leading Britain to enter the war

Main Events

  • The war stalled on the Western Front, with both sides engaging in trench warfare
  • On the Eastern Front, Russia had initial success against Germany and Austria-Hungary, but later suffered many major defeats
  • In 1917, America entered the war, giving the Allies a major boost

Techniques Used

  • Trench warfare: Soldiers lived in trenches, which provided protection from enemy bullets and shelling
  • Machine gun: The machine gun was a terrible weapon that could fire many bullets in a short time
  • Airplanes: Planes were used for reconnaissance and bombs were dropped on enemies
  • Gas: Gas was used to kill or injure soldiers
  • Tank: The tank was a new weapon that could cross trenches and barbed wire

End of the war

  • In 1918, Germany launched a major offensive on the Western Front, but it was stopped by the Allies
  • The Allies then launched a counter-offensive, causing Germany to retreat
  • On November 11, 1918, Germany surrendered, ending the war

Consequences of War

  • Approximately 9 million soldiers and 13 million civilians died in World War I
  • The war changed the map of Europe, and many new countries were formed
  • The war devastated Germany's economy and it was forced to accept many harsh conditions, paving the way for World War II
  • The League of Nations was formed, which was an organization to promote international cooperation and prevent future wars
  • America emerged as a global power

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