AQA GCSE History Conflict & Tension, First World War 1894-1918 PDF

AQA GCSE HISTORY Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918 Knowledge Organiser Pack Whitecross Hereford High School  GCSE History Knowledge Organiser | Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918: Background to the War and the Alliance System In order to understand the causes of t...

AQA GCSE HISTORY Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918 Knowledge Organiser Pack Whitecross Hereford High School  GCSE History Knowledge Organiser | Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918: Background to the War and the Alliance System In order to understand the causes of the First World War, it’s important that you know where the Each of the major European powers aligned An alliance is a union between underlying tensions existed between the countries in Europe. themselves with others to increase their influence two or more countries who agree and security. Two rival blocs formed: The Triple to provide mutual support: this GREAT BRITAIN RUSSIA Alliance and the Triple Entente. could be military or economic. Britain’s empire spanned 25% of the globe. Lost a war against Japan in 1905 so It was their priority to protect and maintain their focused on rebuilding their army. TRIPLE ENTENTE TRIPLE ALLIANCE empire. Feared that Germany wanted to take Britain had the largest navy in the world. Russian land. Rivals with Austria-Hungary about who Britain was a wealthy trading nation. should control the Slavs. Great Britain Germany FRANCE SERBIA Germany had Had become taken land from independent from France in 1871 (Alsace- the Ottoman Empire Lorraine). They were in 1878. France Austria-Hungary worried that Germany would try to take some more. Was determined to expand and free its Second largest people from the empire. Austro-Hungarian Triple Alliance Triple Entente Empire. Russia Italy Franco-Russian Alliance 1894 Triple Alliance 1882 France and Russia agreed to support Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy each other militarily if Germany attacked agreed to provide military support if GERMANY AUSTRIA-HUNGARY either of them. one of them was attacked by another Had a large European empire. power. Germany wanted to become a world power. Entente-Cordiale 1904 Was worried that the different Britain and France made agreements Germany had a small African empire. They nationalities within their empire would over land in Africa. wanted to expand their empire. want to become independent. Germany was becoming a major trading country Was worried about the growing Anglo-Russian Agreement 1907 and was becoming rich. strength of Serbia. Britain and Russia made agreements over land in the Middle East.  GCSE History Knowledge Organiser | Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918: Splendid Isolation and Weltpolitik In order to understand how and why tensions increased in Europe during this period, it is important to identify what the foreign policy of some of the main countries were at this time. GERMANY’S POLICY OF WELTPOLITIK. BRITAIN AND SPLENDID ISOLATION In 1890 Wilhelm introduced his new policy of Weltpolitik which means world policy. In the late 1800s and early 1900s Britain was in Splendid Isolation. It was a determination that Germany should have an increasingly Britain felt they did not need important role on the world stage. economic and military allies. The British empire was the largest Germany believed they would obtain this through expanding their empire in the world, Britain was the and developing their navy. richest country with the strongest navy. Wilhelm wanted Germany to be the greatest nation on earth. WHY DID BRITAIN LEAVE SPLENDID ISOLATION? Many European powers were worried by this policy. 1. Britain & France clashed over control of colonies in north Why were Britain worried about Germany? Why did Germany feel Weltpolitik was justified? Africa – Britain wanted to be on good terms with France. 2. Kaiser Wilhelm wanted Germany to be a global power and In 1905 a huge fleet of German ships were Germany felt surrounded and was insecure began building a navy. being built. about their future so increased the size of the military. Kaiser Wilhelm ignored Bismark’s friendly 3. The Triple Alliance was formed. agreements he had made previously. Britain and France had huge empires. Britain felt Germany did not need a navy as Germany felt they needed to increase their 4. In 1894 the Franco-Russian alliance was signed: Europe was they had no empire. navy to protect their trade. split in two. Military leaders were chosen to help Wilhelm 5. In 1895 Russia began to challenge British territory in China. rule. 6. Germany publically condemned British actions in the Boer In 1912 Germany expanded their army to War. Britain need to make friends. make it the biggest in Europe.  GCSE History Knowledge Organiser | Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918: The Naval Arms Race and the Arms Race on Land Military leaders of the main European powers at this time, believed that war would be avoided if they built up their military. How and why did Europe increase their military? THE NAVAL RACE THE ARMS RACE ON LAND Britain felt their large navy was justified because: a) Britain was an island b) Britain had a large empire they needed to control c) Britain was far from self-sufficient and imported goods. Germany formulated a plan to build the second largest navy. Tirpitz believed a navy for Germany was an “absolute necessity” and without which Germany would “go under”. It could fire at a distance The guns could fire of 10 miles Had introduced conscription half ton shells GERMANY Had developed a war plan: The Schlieffen Plan, in 1905. It could travel at 25mph The German army was powerful and well-trained. One of first ships to send electronic THE DREADNOUGHT Germany increased military spending 73% during this period. messages to guns. Britain’s industry meant dreadnoughts could be 2. 1899 Britain place their built quickly navy on 2 Power Standard. Had introduced conscription. Had developed a war plan known as Plan 17. FRANCE Were in close but secret military talks with the British from 1912. 3. In 1900 Germany pass Had 1 million men in their army in 1914. another naval law which doubles their navy. 1. 1898 Germany pass the first naval 4. In 1906 Britain developed law to increase the the dreadnought, Germany Had introduced conscription. size of the navy. make their own version RUSSIA Russia had developed a war plan known as Plan 19. shortly after. Had 1.5 million men in their army in 1914. 5. In 1909 Germany declare It was a badly equipped army. they won’t limit the number of dreadnoughts they build. 6. The British public put pressure of the Government to build 8. By 1914 Britain had 29 Was the only major European power to have not introduced more with a campaign dreadnoughts, Germany conscription by 1914. “We want 8 and we had 17. BRITAIN Had the smallest army. won’t wait!” 7. Britain builds 15 dreadnoughts 1911-1913, Germany builds 8.  GCSE History Knowledge Organiser | Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918: The Moroccan Crises In 1905, Morocco was one of the only independent nations in Africa. France and Germany were both interested in gaining the territory. Tensions grew and resulted in France threatening war in the First Moroccan Crisis and Britain threatening war in the Second Moroccan Crisis. THE FIRST MOROCCAN CRISIS, 1905 THE SECOND MOROCCAN CRISIS, 1911 CAUSES Germany’s aims. CAUSES To gain some land. To test the strength of the Entente Cordiale. France wanted to take Germany opposed this and There was a rebellion France used this an The Kaiser sent a gunboat, He also hoped that he control of Morocco and said that they supported To show that Germany was against the ruler of opportunity to take over the Panther, to protect would gain land. Britain supported this. Moroccan independence. fully involved in world affairs. Morocco. Morocco. German interests in Morocco. EVENTS EVENTS France were furious and A conference was held Out of the 14 nations in France was given Britain was worried that This occurred during the Britain were furious and Germany threatened Germany in Algeciras, Spain in attendance, only ‘special rights’ in Germany wanted Morocco naval race when tensions threatened Germany backed down. with war. January 1906 to settle Austria-Hungary and Morocco including to challenge their naval base between Britain and with war. the dispute. Morocco supported control of their in Gibraltar. Germany were high. Germany. economy and police. RESULTS RESULTS Britain and France got Britain and Russia signed Germany increased their The Triple Alliance was Germany was given land Britain and France Germany did not The Triple Alliance was closer and started having the Anglo-Russian military spending as they weaker as Italy did not in the Congo – this was made secret navel want to back down weaker as Italy opposed secret military talks. Agreement in 1907. felt ganged up on. support Germany. mainly swamp. agreements. a third time. German action.  GCSE History Knowledge Organiser | Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918: Trouble in the Balkans The Balkans, an area spanning most of southern Europe, had been under the control of the Ottoman Empire. With Turkey becoming weaker (‘the sick man of Europe’), many countries in the Balkans had ideas of independence and expansion, most notably of all – Serbia. BOSNIAN CRISIS, 1908 BALKAN WARS, 1912 AND 1913 THE BALKAN LEAGUE Serbia wanted to have Austria-Hungary was Bosnia was part of Bosnia under Serbian rule worried that this would In 1908 there was a Turkey, which was an revolution in Turkey. due to the high Serb threaten the stability of old and weak empire. Serbia, Bulgaria, Supported and encouraged population. their empire. AIM: To force the Montenegro and Greece by Russia who wanted access Turkish Empire out of joined together to form to a warm water port. Europe. the Balkan League. THE FIRST BALKAN WAR, 1912 THE SECOND BALKAN WAR, 1913 The Balkan League fought Bulgaria were annoyed as Turkey. they wanted more land. Russia demanded that a Russia were also Serbia were furious but conference be held and Serbia were too small to resist A- Austria-Hungary used this The war lasted just 6 They attacked the other annoyed with A-H for be given land as compensation. H. They appealed to an opportunity to annex, weeks. members of the Balkan taking Bosnia. This did not happen. Russia for help. or take control of, Bosnia. League. A conference was held in London to decide how Turkey and Romania joined Turkish land was going to in to try and get some land. be distributed. It lasted 3 months. Balkan League countries all made gains. Bulgaria lost all the gains made in the first war. Germany gave A-H Russia was too weak to fight A-H got to keep Serbia was forced to agree to be a their full support. Germany so was forced to Bosnia. ‘good neighbour’ to A-H and accept back down. KEY RESULTS the annexation. KEY RESULTS Russia promised that it Serbia had gained Serbia had A-H were worried Serbia and Russia A-H was confident now Russia invested in its would not let Serbia down Serbia was determined Black Hand Gang valuable military again. doubled in size. about Serbia. were allies. it had German support. military. to challenge A-H. membership grew in Serbia. experience.  GCSE History Knowledge Organiser | Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918: The Slide to War The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand which took place in June 1914 was the spark which ignited the Great War. Within six weeks, almost all of Europe had been dragged into the bloodiest war in history. How did the assassination lead to war in 1914? The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. 5th July 1914 Germany The Black Hand 23rd July 1914 Austria The Archduke who was In a bid to appear 28th June 1914 the issue Austria with the Gang were a issues Serbia with an heir to the throne in friendly, the Archduke Archduke is assassinated Blank Cheque – their nationalist ultimatum. Austria and his wife Sophie chose not to deploy the by the Black Hand Gang. promise to support movement who were visiting Sarajevo in army on the streets. Austria, no matter aimed to unite all Bosnia what. Serbs into “Greater Serbia”. With weapons smuggled in The first attempt to kill Whilst going to from Serbia, 7 assassins the Archduke failed, the visit the injured in 30th July 1914 Russia 29th July 1914 Austria 28th July 1914 Austria rejects were ready for the grenade had a 10 second hospital the driver begins to mobilise their shells Belgrade, the Serbia’s response and Archduke’s visit on 28th delay and bounced off of the car took a army. capital of Serbia. declares war. June 1914. the back of the car. wrong turn. V V Gavrillo Princip happened to be Gavrillo Princip was sentenced 3rd August 1914 4th August 1914 standing on the corner and fired to life in prison, he was too 1st August 1914 Germany declares Britain declares two shots. Killing both the young to receive the death Germany declares war war on France and war on Germany. Archduke and his wife. penalty. He died two years later on Russia. invades Belgium. from TB.  GCSE History Knowledge Organiser | Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918: From Schlieffen to Stalemate The ‘Race to the Sea’ was one of the major events in the early period of World War I and occurred throughout September and October of 1914. The Western Front was the name given to the line of fighting that occurred in Belgium and along the northeastern regions of France throughout the war.​ The German army invaded Belgium in line with the Schlieffen Plan. The Germans advanced quickly into Belgium in the first few weeks of the war. But their successes didn’t last long – their progress was slowed and eventually halted by fierce fighting against Belgian, French and British troops in the west and Russian troops in the east. This led to stalemate. This knowledge organiser shows the chronology and geography of the events of Autumn 1914. Please ensure you read the events in the correct order by following the numbers (1-5). WHAT WAS THE SCHLIEFFEN PLAN? The Schlieffen Plan was the German war plan developed in 1. BATTLE OF LIÈGE (5-16 August 1914) 1905 and was designed to help Germany avoid a war on two First Belgian resistance encountered by fronts. For the plan to succeed, it made some assumptions but Germany. the reality of events resulted in it failing. Defended by a steep slope and 12 armoured forts with long-range heavy artillery. PLAN REALITY Slowed German advance by 4-5 days. Belgium would not resist an Belgium resisted the German 4. BATTLE OF YSER (October 1914) invasion. army. King Albert of Belgium ordered the flooding of the land by opening the canal Britain would not honour the Britain honoured their locks. Treaty of London (1839) and agreement to protect German Fourth Army forced to retreat on defend Belgium. Belgian neutrality. 29 October. BRITAIN Russia would take at least 6 Russia mobilized in just 10 weeks to be ready for war days and were advancing and France would be towards Germany – this was defeated quickly. now a war on two fronts! BERLIN 5. BATTLE OF THE MARNE (23 August 1914) Germany changed plan to head to Paris directly GERMANY RUSSIAN EMPIRE on foot. BEL. French troops arrived by rail and taxi to defend 3. BATTLES OF TANNENBERG & MARUSIAN LAKES (August & the capital. PARIS September 1914) Combined British and French forces halted Russian mobilization took only 10 days, much faster than the Germans German advance along the River Marne. 2. BATTLE OF MONS (23 August 1914) had planned for. FRANCE 250,000 French and 250,000 German soldiers British Expeditionary Force (a small but very well died. trained force) engage German army. A-H Germany was now fighting a war on two fronts and sent 100,000 troops to face the Russians in the east. Trenches dug for protection from 8 September Used rapid rifle fire, causing Germans to believe Germany lost 13,000 troops at the Battle of Tannenberg. – stalemate developed. they were under machine gun fire. Russian armies caused Austria-Hungary to retreat and leave their Germany abandoned the plan to sweep around weapons and supplies behind. Paris to capture it as a result.  GCSE History Knowledge Organiser | Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918: Life in the trenches Life in the trenches was tough. Conditions could be different depending on where you were on the Western Front but there are many conditions which were the same across the front line. Routines Mental Health DAILY ‘Shellshock’ was common. Life was rather boring in the trenches when fighting Living under the constant fear of death and noise was not taking place. of bombing, and seeing close friends die in Duties were rotated in the frontline trenches; horrific ways caused shellshock. 1/3 on guard duty Some shook with uncontrollably whilst others Health 1/3 repairing damage and collecting food and were paralyzed with fear. As trenches were exposed to the elements, so supplies were the soldiers. MONTHLY 1/3 resting. Trenches were boiling hot in the summer and In a typical month, soldiers would spend only 4 days on the front freezing cold in the winter. line, 4 days in a support trench, 8 days on the reserve trench and Many soldiers suffered from illnesses like rest of the time in the towns behind the front line. pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis and diarrhea. LICE spread illnesses such as Trench Fever. WATER caused many soldiers to suffer from trench foot, a painful condition where the foot swells and Hygiene develops open sores. Keeping clean was almost impossible. Soldiers were infested with lice. There were no toilets and so soldiers used buckets. Stand to Rats were everywhere; feeding off soldiers’ The highest state of alert on both sides. Soldiers were up before food and dead corpses in No Man’s Land. sunlight and guns were loaded, on the lookout for enemy attack. Trench Humour Food & Diet Food was very basic in the trenches. Some used humour to cope and manage the Stew, bread and hard biscuits were the main staple of the diet. stress of life on the front line. Rude songs, naughty jokes and funny pictures Luxuries and cartoons were used to make light of the Soldiers looked forward to receiving letters situation. and parcels from home. Every week, 12 million packages were sent As some soldiers were from poor backgrounds, this was the best The Wipers Times was started by British Troops to the front line containing toiletries, they had ever had. in the Belgian town of Ypres in 1916. This was tobacco and sweets. Bacon, cheese and jam were treats. an unofficial newspaper for the ordinary soldier. Soldiers sent letters home but they would Water had been treated with chlorine to kill germs which made it It told funny stories and had disguised be censored to check they did not contain taste horrible. British troops received a drink of rum in harsh criticisms of the senior commanders. army secrets or show low morale. weather and the Germans drank beer and brandy.  GCSE History Knowledge Organiser | Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918: Weapons in World War One World War One was a time of huge developments in both weaponry at tactics. The start of the war saw the use of cavalry, but advances in technology soon saw the use of poison gas, aircraft and tanks. What was it like at the start of the How did it work? How was it countered? What were the limitations of How did the weapon develop war? the weapon? during the war? POISON GAS First used by Germany in 1915. Chlorine gas Caused All British Only 3000 Mustard gas caused fear and troops carried British troops burned and breathing terror gas masks by died from gas blinded the problems. among April 1916. attacks. victim. soldiers. AIRCRAFT Anti-aircraft 1915 planes In 1914, planes were - Cramped were used as Initially used for guns were used - No parachute reconnaissance. dangerous and to defend weapons as unreliable. - Dangerous machines gun against aerial attacks. were mounted. TANKS First used in 1916 By 1918: 1917 – Battle of Advanced ahead of - Slow – only at the Somme. - Armour Cambrai. Tanks the infantry, crushing 5mph. More than half piercing bullets used en masse barbed wire and - Difficult to broke down or got - Artillery aimed and gained 5 firing guns. move. stuck. at tanks. miles of land. UNDERGROUND Tunnels were dug Miners would check - Tunnels could 1917 – Battle of WARFARE – underneath No Man’s oil drums filled with collapse Messines. 19 TUNNELLING Land to attack (or lay water for vibrations - Meet enemy mines detonated AND MINES mines in order to to see if enemy - Slow (a year to – 10,000 attack) the enemy. miners were nearby. dig some) Germans killed.. ARTILLERY To fire over No Man’s Land - Inaccurate Creeping barrage Artillery 1916 – Germans had with the aim of destroying - Sometimes allowed men to bombardment counter-artillery enemy trenches. 60% of all bombed own cross No Man’s often used before units. wounds were from front lines/ Land under an attack. artillery killed own men artillery cover. MACHINE GUNS Used from 1914 during Allied - 10 bullets a second Artillery - Heavy By 1917 both Offensives. (rifle 15 per min) bombardment. - Needed a crew sides had - 2750 metres developed - Crew of 2-4 specially trained - 40% of British wounds soldiers.  GCSE History Knowledge Organiser | Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918: Key Battles The First World War was a succession of key battles, and these saw developments in tactics and use of weapons. There were many battles over the duration of the war but there were 4 key battles which had key causes, developments and consequences. BATTLE OF VERDUN – FEBRUARY-DECEMBER 1916 BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE – JULY-NOVEMBER 1917 RESULTS AIMS RESULTS AIMS Knock France (main allied defence) out of Germany: 280,000 Submarine bases the war. France: 315,000 To destroy German 10 day artillery Drainage systems Initial Allied Heavy rain in remained intact. 140,000 1,200 artillery guns French were outnumbered submarine bases. bombardment. destroyed. progress using August 1917. German troops. & 2.5m shells. with only 30,000 troops – stepping stones. were pushed back quickly. Britain launched Gained approx. Force the French the Somme. 4.5mi to defend the town and drain them. To destroy German Falkenhayn: When the Somme By 23 June, 80% of French force French army morale for war. Soldiers and Rifles clogged Craters filled with Tanks got stuck “Bleed France started, Germany Germany was 2.5 fought. 6,000 vehicles a horses with mud. water so soldiers in the mud. Germany: 400,000 mutinies in 1917, no white!” were pushed back. miles from Verdun. day arrived for defence. drowned. lost cover. Allies: 300,000 help in offensives. BATTLE OF THE SOMME – JULY-NOVEMBER 1916 BATTLE OF CAMBRAI – NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 1917 AIMS RESULTS AIMS RESULTS Relieve pressure Germany: 500,000 Germany: 45,000 Week-long artillery German defences not Short artillery 350 tanks were Infantry progressed on the French at British infantry Britain: 620,000 Allies: 44,000 bombardment to destroyed, Germans bombardment on used. using creeping Verdun. walked over No destroy defences. safe in dug outs. To attack the morning of attack. barrage. Man’s Land. Hindenburg Line. (German defensive 9,000 German Gained 7 miles. line) prisoners. Weaken the Germans through Creeping barrage Tactics developed German machine guns Allies learnt to use Verdun held and By the end of 5 miles gained Germans were attrition warfare. developed to protect over time to reduce kill 20,000 and wound tanks en masse, France remained November, Germany on the first surprised at the advancing infantry. losses inflicted. 40,000 on day 1. combined with in the war. counter-attacked. day. speed of the attack.. artillery and infantry.  GCSE History Knowledge Organiser | Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918: The Gallipoli Landings. The Gallipoli landings were planned in order to open up a supply route to Russia to enable the allies to defeat Germany. But how and why did it fail? Why did the British launch an offensive at Results of the Gallipoli? Phase 1: 19th February 1915 British & French ships begin Gallipoli Campaign: attack on Turkish forts at the An attempt to create a supply route through Turkey was not entrance of the Dardanelles the Dardanelles to Russia. knocked out of the Phase 1: By 25th February war. the entrance was clear of With the supplies, Russia would be able to Turkish forts and mines. defeat Germany. Phase 2: The main naval Over 200,000 allied attack was launched on 18th deaths (300,000 German troops sent to defend Gallipoli March. British ships were Turkish deaths). would weaken the enemy on the Western shelled by Turkish forts. 3 and Eastern fronts. British ships sunk, 3 severely damaged. A quick win against Turkey would mean The campaign Bulgaria would join the Allies and attack Phase 3: 70,000 men were gathered for a prevented the Austria-Hungary. land invasion on 25th April. These were Turks from helping mainly ANZAC troops. Turkey moved Austria-Hungary or 84,000 troops along the coastline. Germany. Why was Gallipoli a failure for the allies? Russia remained Hygiene was poor due to water shortages. Latrines that were dug were poorly Bodies were left to decompose this led to Dysentery was common. 3 months into the short of supplies. Soldiers only had access to 1-2 litres a day. prepared and rapidly filled up. flies everywhere. campaign, more men were suffering from Alongside overcrowding this led to disease. sickness than injuries. A few British The Turkish troops had good leaders who Turkish troops were well organised and The Turkish spirit was high and they were The Turks had access to high ground and submarines were fighting at the front. disciplined. Not what the British expected! committed to defending their homeland. artillery. They used snipers. managed to attack Constantinople and The terrain was difficult and the maps did The only escape from Turkish fire on the The beach was protected by reinforced Turkish trenches followed the line of the sink Turkish not show areas such as Razor’s Edge. It was beaches was for the allies to go up the cliffs. barbed wire and was difficult to cut through. cliffs. warships and impossible to progress. supplies. Battle plans were made using sketches of The British Navy bombing Turkish forts Allied organisation was poor. 25th April landings were in the wrong place. the coastline and didn’t include location of warned the Turks that the allies were Ships got lost. Troops were faced with cliffs. guns and forts. thinking of attacking there.  GCSE History Knowledge Organiser | Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918: The War at Sea Control of the sea was vital for both sides during the war. It was needed to ensure supplies were reaching people at home (both in Britain and Germany) and soldiers at the front. There were a number of small battles in the early part of the war but it was largely a stalemate as both sides were reluctant to use their navies. BRITISH BLOCKADE OF GERMANY – 1914-1916 THE BATTLE OF JUTLAND – MAY 1916 U-BOAT CAMPAIGNS Germany made use of U-boats during the war, particularly GERMAN AIMS AIM focusing on attacking British and Allied cargo ships that were Destroy the British Blockade. poorly defended. Starve out Germany and Draw out the British navy from their ports AIM stop essential war and engage both navies in battle. Prevent supplies and imports supplies from reaching the country. EVENTS OF JUTLAND from reaching Britain from the Empire and the USA. WHAT WAS IT? German Plan Admiral Scheer felt that the best way to German ships blocked into own ports by defeat the British Navy was to force it into the British navy and mines. With no radar, U-boats could sneak up on open sea. Britain used contraband lists to stop vessels and attack from beneath the A few German ships would act as bait in the supplies from reaching Germany by surface of the water. North Sea, so the British would sail out to intercepting vessels suspected of taking DEVELOPMENTS meet them. The rest of the German fleet goods to Germany. February 1915; Germany declared any ship in British would trap them from behind. Britain declared the North Sea a British waters (even neutral ones) would be attacked An average ‘military area’ on 3 November 1914. The battle of 1.9 ships were being sunk daily. (UNRESTRICTED Neutral merchant ships agreed to dock The Germans followed their plan but the British had decoded German messages SUBMARINE WARFARE). in British ports for inspection and then and knew what to expect. Despite this, a British ship was destroyed in 20 minutes May 1915; German U-boat sunk the British passenger ship escorted through the British minefields. of the start of the battle. the ‘Lusitania’. Killing 1,198 people, 128 of whom were When the rest of the British fleet arrived, the Germans sailed north. Rather than American. Britain uses this for anti-German propaganda. RESULTS follow, the British planned to attack on their way home. US President warned Germany over the attack and The British fleet was hampered by poor communications between Admirals Beatty Germany scaled back their U-boat campaign for a while. Lack of coal, oil and steel damaged and Jellicoe, poor quality armour on their ships and poor visibility at night. February 1917; Germany resumed USW in a desperate German industry. effort to end the British Blockade. Lack of medicines meant injured soldiers and sick civilians could not be treated, RESULTS RESULTS The Blockade remained in place (the Germans didn’t achieve their aim). Amount of shipping destroyed in 1917 was more than effects seen in the 1918 Spanish Flu (150,000 died). The British suffered heavier losses which led to the Germans declaring victory. double 1916. In March 1917, 25% of all British-bound Lack of fertilized resulted in wide-spread The German navy never set sail again and required major repairs which led to the shipping was sunk. British declaring victory. In May 1917 Britain only had 6 weeks worth of basic goods food shortages. Losses left. Average daily diet was of less than 1,000 America entered the war against Germany. calories a day. Britain Germany Britain used Q-ships (warships disguised as supply ships) to 763,000 Germans died as a result of Warships 14 9 trick the Germans. starvation. The Convoy System was developed where slow-moving Major anti-war riots broke out by as early Men 6,100 2,550 supply ships were guarded by destroyer ships. as 1915.  GCSE History Knowledge Organiser | Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918: The entry of the USA and the Russian Revolution The events of 1917 saw crucial turning points in the development of the First World War. The United States was finally drawn into the war as a result of successive provocations by Germany. However, in the same year, a key ally in Russia left the war as a result of a revolution. What caused these events to happen, and what were the results? ENTRY OF THE USA – APRIL 1917 RUSSIAN REVOLUTION – FEBRUARY 1917 AT THE START OF THE WAR… WHY DID RUSSIA REVOLT? Poor leadership by the Widespread food By 1916 over 1 Tsar and his advisors. shortages led to million Russians Appeared unable to starvation and disease. had been killed in deal with problems. the fighting. The USA didn’t take sides and US banks lent billions of dollars Ships transporting American followed ISOLATIONISM. They to the Allies. This included the supplies to Britain were a target WHAT HAPPENED IN 1917? were officially neutral. sale of food and weapons. for U-boats. Riots and strikes against the war broke out all over Russia. WHY DID THE US ENTER THE WAR? Soldiers were ordered to fire on protesters but refused and joined in with the protesters. April 1915 – Sinking of the Lusitania Soldiers on the Russian front line mutinied and deserted their posts. German U-boat torpedoed British passenger ship off the coast of Ireland and sunk it. In Petrograd, a worker’s council (Petrograd Soviet) was established to organise a full- 1,198 passengers died, 128 were American – sparked anti-German riots. scale revolution. US President warns Germany to stop USW. With no remaining support, the Tsar abdicated on 15 March. A provisional government was created but the war continued – after another serious JANUARY 1917 – Zimmerman Telegram military defeat, thousands of soldiers deserted. German foreign minister Zimmerman sent a message to Mexico. In October 1917, a group called the Bolsheviks overthrew the provisional government Proposing Mexico attack the US and Germany would support them in gaining lost land and took control of Russia. These were led by Lenin who had been smuggled back into through financial and military aid (New Mexico, Arizona and Texas). Russia by the Germans. Intercepted by the British and passed on to US government. The Bolsheviks promised to end the war quickly. February 1917 – Resumption of USW WHAT WAS THE RESULT OF THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION? The blockade had pushed Germany to desperation with starvation rife. Germany gambled and resumed USW to try and break the blockade. The Bolsheviks signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in March 1918. For This angered the US as their ships were now targeted by the U-boat campaign. leaving the war, Russia gave up huge amounts of land and resources to Germany; The US declared war on Germany in April 1917. 26% of Russia’s population. 27% of Russia’s agricultural land. WHAT WAS THE IMPACT OF US INVOLVEMENT? 74% of its coal and iron ore. Fresh Troops Supplies & Money This temporarily lessened the impact of the blockade. Fresh troops were now The US supported the Allies with new Germany was no longer fighting a 2-front war and 500,000 soldiers available for the Western supplies of weapons and food. were redirected to the Western Front. Front. US Navy supported the convoy system. Britain and France were worried as they lost a major ally. 10,000 a day by mid US contributed money to the war 1918. effort.  GCSE History Knowledge Organiser | Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918: Events of 1918 - The Spring Offensive & Hundred Days Spring 1918 saw Germany’s last ditch effort to win the war before American troops arrived en masse and would contribute to the war effort. By August, the Allies (supported by fresh American troops and supplies) had launched their counterattack to push Germany back and attempt to secure a victory against the Germans close to defeat. THE SPRING OFFENSIVE (LUDENDORFF OFFENSIVE) – SPRING 1918 WHY DID THE SPRING OFFENSIVE FAIL? WHY DID GERMANY ATTACK IN SPRING 1918? Fresh US troops: Supplies couldn’t keep German forces were French counterattack March – 250,000 up with the demand. exhausted by 1918. at the Marne in July June – 50,000 a week. 1918. Russia was out of the war, American troops had not yet Germany had a small window weakening the Allies. 500,000 arrived in Europe but were on of opportunity to make a HUNDRED DAYS OFFENSIVE – AUGUST-NOVEMBER 1918 German troops were sent to their way. breakthrough, but had to act the Western Front. fast! General Foch appointed Focus on a series of attacks Overstretch the enemy LUDENDORFF’S PLAN Commander-in-chief’. across the front line rather and wear them down. Unified command structure. than one large offensive. Launch an attack at Hurricane bombardment: Storm troopers: Fast several points on Five-hour artillery moving, heavily BATTLE OF AMIENS the British and bombardment of a million armed soldiers 8th August 1918. Took 11km on the first day, 8km over week. French lines. shells just before the (flame throwers and British, Australia, Canadian and French Allied losses at 6,500. ground attack. machine guns). forces. German losses: Over 400 tanks supported the offensive. 30,000 GERMAN RESULTS ALLIED RESULTS 17,000 taken prisoner. BATTLES OF THE HINDENBURG LINE September 1918. 28,000 German losses. Germans had been pushed back to their 15km of land gained including the control of reinforced concrete defensive line. Sedan which had a railway hub. Within 5 miles of 500,000 men lost Surprise attack caused 26,000 US troops died. Some soldiers Paris. during the offensive. panic in British lines. surrendered. ALLIED BREAKTHROUGH & GERMAN RETREAT When in full retreat, the Germans; French and US forces broke The advance was faster than Burned bridges through the Hindenburg Line by the supply chain could Poisoned water wells early October. manage – soldiers ran out of Destroyed roads supplies and food which led to Left behind heavy guns and supplies. poor morale and discipline. 21,000 British taken 20,000 killed and 35,000 Collapse of the German army resulted in most prisoner. wounded. German Generals accepting the war should be ended.  GCSE History Knowledge Organiser | Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918: The home fronts & The Armistice Although the main conflict of the First World War was fought on the battlefields of the Western Front and in the North Sea, the conflict was still impacting the lives of civilians on both the British and German home fronts. How did the First World War impact the lives of people at home? IMPACTS ON THE HOME FRONT – 1914-18 END OF THE WAR – AUTUMN-NOVEMBER 1918 Autumn 1918 Rationing was introduced in Situation for Germany is hopeless, widespread anti-war feeling Britain 1918 to make sure with soldiers in full retreat on the Western Front. that food was equally Women introduced into the shared out. workforce. Kiel Mutiny – October 1918 Sailors at Kiel were ordered to make a last ditch attempt to attack Government control the British fleet. They refused and revolted. increased. Revolutions spread across Germany over the next few days. Women were needed in 700,000 women in 9 November 1918 Mines, railways, munitions agriculture in Russia and Britain worked in the Revolutions reach Berlin and the government ask the Kaiser to factories and shipyards were Germany. munitions factories. abdicate (resign), but he refuses. all controlled by the government. By noon on 9 November 1918 the Kaiser abdicates as German Emperor, the German Republic is declared. Germany introduced price limits on food. New government declare that they are willing to sue for peace. September 1915 there was a Zeppelin attack on London killing 22 civilians including 6 children. 11 November 1918 Armistice signed – the new German government meet with the Allied forces and sign an armistice. The Allies did not wish to negotiate. Anti-war protests German women said they wanted their Terms of Peace: men back. Cease all hostilities Leave the occupied territories In 1916, 10,000 German workers Repatriate allied prisoners of war protested and shouted ‘down Landscape where the fighting had taken place was ruined. In France, over 2 Establish a demilitarized zone with war’. The British Socialist million people were made homeless, 750,000 houses, 20,000 factories, 1,000 Surrender all heavy arms, airplanes and trains. Party organised strikes. bridges, 48,000km of road and 1,600km of railways were destroyed. This was to prevent any attempt by Germany to continue the war.  GCSE History Knowledge Organiser | Conflict and Tension, First World War 1894-1918: The development of tactics and technology in WW1 The First World War saw a revolution in technology and tactics. Both sides of the conflict learnt from experience how to make weaponry and technology more effective for their own gain, but what were the significant advances as a result of the war? ADVANCES IN THE AIR Aircraft were first used During the war, planes Interrupter Improved radio Fighter & bomber Groups of 2/3 at the start for reconnaissance. were made of stronger mechanism communication between planes supported of the war changed into materials. weaponized planes. pilots & ground. troops (Amiens 1918). formations. ADVANCES AT SEA Hydrophone had been developed by Dazzle camouflage distorted U-boat Aircraft carriers launched small Q-ships used to trick the Germans, 1918, able to detect submarines abilities to see target ships. ‘floatplanes’ using catapults. first in 1915. These were military several miles away. ships disguised as merchant ships. ADVANCES ON THE BATTLEFIELD TANKS ARTILLERY TACTICS Battle of Cambrai in 1917; 400 tanks Shells to destroy barbed wire developed. Specially trained team of elite soldiers, crossed no man’s land. Creeping Barrage perfected. armed with light machine guns, 1918; Germans developed guns that Accuracy and size improved, by 1918 the Germans could grenades and flame throwers. penetrated tanks, also used anti-tank fire 106kg shell 130km. Advanced ahead of the main attack to trenches. Anti-aircraft guns were developed to shoot down planes. locate German machine gun posts. ADAVNCES IN COMMAND Unified Command Ferdinand Foch Structure: appointed Commander- Direct all British (and in-Chief. Empire), French and American troops.