World War I: Causes, Battles & Tech

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following scenarios BEST exemplifies the complex interplay of militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism (M.A.I.N.) as a cause of World War I?

Canada's participation in key battles such as Ypres, the Somme, Vimy Ridge, and Passchendaele, demonstrating its commitment to the British Empire.
The introduction of new technologies such as tanks, poison gas, and machine guns, which dramatically changed the nature of warfare.
Austria-Hungary's declaration of war on Serbia after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, triggering a chain reaction of alliance obligations. (correct)
The construction of trenches along the Western Front, leading to a prolonged stalemate and immense casualties.

The Schlieffen Plan aimed to:

Establish defensive positions along the Rhine River.
Secure naval dominance in the Atlantic.
Defeat Russia quickly before turning to France.
Avoid fighting on two fronts by quickly defeating France before Russia could fully mobilize, and invading France through Belgium (correct)

The conditions in the trenches on the Western Front were generally sanitary and resulted in minimal casualties due to disease.

False (B)

Explain how new technologies employed during World War I contributed to the unprecedented scale of casualties and the nature of trench warfare.

New technologies such as machine guns, poison gas, and artillery led to increased casualties and the static nature of trench warfare. Signup and view all the answers

The term ________ refers to the psychological distress experienced by soldiers exposed to prolonged combat and heavy artillery bombardment.

shell shock Signup and view all the answers

Match the following battles with their significance in Canadian military history during World War I:

Battle of Ypres = First large-scale use of poison gas by the Germans; marked Canada's first major engagement in WWI. Battle of the Somme = One of the bloodiest battles of WWI; the Newfoundland Regiment was nearly wiped out at Beaumont-Hamel. Battle of Vimy Ridge = Considered a defining moment for Canada, as all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together for the first time and achieved a decisive victory. Battle of Passchendaele = Notorious for its muddy conditions and high casualties; exemplified the brutal attrition warfare of WWI. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement BEST describes the reasons why diverse groups of Canadians (including Indigenous, Black Canadians, women, and Chinese/Japanese Canadians) chose to enlist during World War I?

They sought economic opportunities, wished to prove their loyalty and patriotism, and believed in the cause of defending the British Empire. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following arguments would a conscientious objector MOST likely use to justify their opposition to World War I?

Participation in war violates deeply held moral or religious beliefs against killing. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The conscription crisis in Canada during World War I had widespread support in Quebec due to a strong sense of national unity and shared sacrifice.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the internment of 'enemy aliens' in Canada during World War I reflects the complex relationship between national security concerns, xenophobia, and the violation of civil liberties.

The internment of 'enemy aliens' illustrates how wartime fears and prejudices can lead to the unjust targeting and deprivation of rights for specific groups, highlighting the tension between national security and civil liberties. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Militarism

A policy of glorifying military power and keeping a standing army always prepared for war.

Alliance

A union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or organizations.

Imperialism

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or other means.