WWI

?
  • Created by: Phelps
  • Created on: 10-06-13 14:28
What were the causes of WWI?
Nationalism; Imperialism; Alliances; Arms Race (Militarism)
1 of 13
What were the Alliances in 1914 and which countries were part of them?
Triple Alliance/Central Powers - Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy; Triple Entente - France, Great Britain and Russia (Italy joined the Triple Entente in 1915)
2 of 13
What did the politicians of the time thought about the alliances?
They called them the "Balance of Power" and believed that the size and power of both alliances would prevent either side form starting a war
3 of 13
Why was there an arms race?
Germany was the leader in military organization and efficiency so other countries (mainly France), in order to defend themselves from the Germans, began to build up their arms and making plan for war (everyone knew that war was bound to come)
4 of 13
Who were the countries involved in the arms race at sea and why?
Britain and Germany were mainly involved in the arms race at sea. This was because Britain had the world's most powerful navy which they used to protect their huge empire so, when Germany started building up its navy, the British felt threatened
5 of 13
Describe the event that triggered the war.
When the Archduke Franz Ferdinand went to Sarajevo (Bosnia) there were six Bosnian Serb terrorists who wanted to kill him; one threw a bomb at the Franz but it hit another car; when the Archduke demanded to see the victims, he and his wife were shot.
6 of 13
Why did the murder of the Archduke cause a war?
Because Serbia had emerged as the most powerful country in the Balkans and Austria was worried about it; they wanted an opportunity to declare war and weaken Serbia; Austria made an ultimatum which would make Serbia part of Austria-Hungary
7 of 13
What were the initial expectations for the war? What was the reality?
Everyone expected that the war would be quick and only the defeated country would suffer serious consequences; however the war became a stalemate and lasted for years
8 of 13
Describe the Schlieffen Plan.
Send German forces through Belgium and quickly knock France out of war by getting to Paris and defeating France in six weeks (Created by Alfred von Schlieffen)
9 of 13
Why did it fail?
The Belgians and the English slowed the Germans; the French defended Paris; Russia mobilised very quickly (didn't take 6 weeks) so troops had to move to Eastern Front
10 of 13
What happened at the Battle of Marne?
The Germans were lacking food and ammunition so they decided to advance straight towards Paris; French stopped the German advance along the River Marne and pushed them back, but couldn't drive them out of France; no advance so each side dug trenches
11 of 13
What was the race to the sea?
Germany knew they couldn't break through enemy lines so they decided to outflank them; as the Germans charged west towards the sea, the French and British moved to block them
12 of 13
What were the trenches like?
Divided between front-line and reserve trenches; zig-zagged along western front (700km); protected with barbed wire, sandbags and machine guns; area between them was called No Man's Land
13 of 13

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What were the Alliances in 1914 and which countries were part of them?

Back

Triple Alliance/Central Powers - Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy; Triple Entente - France, Great Britain and Russia (Italy joined the Triple Entente in 1915)

Card 3

Front

What did the politicians of the time thought about the alliances?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Why was there an arms race?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Who were the countries involved in the arms race at sea and why?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar History resources:

See all History resources »See all Causes and effects of WW1 resources »