Questions and Answers
Why was World War I called the 'Great War'?
It was called a Great War because of the large scale of fighting.
Who was assassinated on June 28, 1914 and by what person/group?
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by Serbian nationalists.
How did Austria-Hungary respond to the assassination?
They responded by sending an ultimatum to the Serbian government.
How/why did other countries join the war?
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Define militarism.
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How was the Industrial Revolution involved?
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Define secret alliances.
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Who were the Triple Entente/Allies members?
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Who were the Triple Alliance/Central Powers members?
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How did countries view the accumulation of colonies?
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How did imperialism cause tension in Europe?
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Define nationalism.
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How did nationalism impact the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires?
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What is self-determination?
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Explain how 'virtually every major event during the remainder of the 20th century was a direct or indirect result of WWI.'
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Why was World War I the deadliest war to that point?
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What was conscription, and how did that relate to 'Pals Battalions' in Britain?
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How did people view the war at first? How does their perception change over time?
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Why were trenches built?
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What were the conditions in trenches?
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How was poison gas used?
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Why was gas outlawed from wars?
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How did machine guns make fighting different?
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How/what were submarines used for?
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How/what were airplanes used for?
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Study Notes
World War I Overview
- Known as the "Great War" due to the extensive scale and global involvement.
- Triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914, by Serbian nationalists.
Austria-Hungary's Response
- Issued an ultimatum to Serbia demanding the cessation of anti-Austrian activities, which Serbia ultimately denied.
Involvement of Other Countries
- Austria-Hungary's alliance with Germany drew other nations into conflict, leading to a broader war through cascading declarations of war.
Key Concepts of War
- Militarism: The celebration and glorification of military power and war.
- Industrial Revolution: Enabled mass production of weapons and supplies, fundamentally changing warfare logistics.
Political Alliances
- Secret Alliances: Nations formed confidential agreements to support one another without other countries' knowledge.
- Triple Entente (Allies): Comprised Britain, France, and Russia.
- Triple Alliance (Central Powers): Included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and initially Italy.
Colonialism and Tensions
- European nations fiercely competed for colonies, leading to heightened tensions and conflicts over territorial claims.
- Imperialism: Fueled disputes as countries vied for dominance over colonial possessions.
Nationalism
- Defined as a strong pride in one’s nation, impacting multi-ethnic empires like the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires, leading to fragmentation and political movements.
- Self-determination: The principle advocating that ethnic groups should unite and form independent nations.
Impact of WWI
- Considered the catalyst for nearly all significant 20th-century events, resulting in the collapse of monarchies and shifts in societal perspectives.
War Casualties and Technology
- Recognized as the deadliest war of its time, largely due to advancements in weaponry and technology.
- Conscription: Mandatory military service introduced in Britain, leading to the formation of "Pals Battalions" where friends enlisted together.
Perception of War
- Initially viewed as a quick and glorious endeavor, the brutal realities of trench warfare changed public sentiment to one of horror and despair.
Trench Warfare
- Trenches were constructed to protect soldiers from enemy fire.
- Living conditions were dire; cold, muddy, and rife with disease and infestations.
Chemical Warfare
- Poison gas emerged as a horrific weapon, inflicting severe pain and debilitating effects on soldiers, leading to its prohibition post-war.
Advances in Warfare Technology
- Machine Guns: Increased lethality of battle, complicating the acquisition of territory.
- Submarines: Deployed to disrupt enemy shipping through stealth attacks.
- Airplanes: Initially for reconnaissance; later equipped with weapons for direct combat.
Long-term Consequences
- The war's lasting effects reshaped global politics, military strategies, and social structures across nations.
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Description
Test your knowledge on pivotal events and figures of World War I with these flashcards. From the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand to the reasons behind its nickname as the 'Great War', this quiz covers key historical concepts. Perfect for students preparing for exams or anyone interested in history.