The Causes of the First World War (AQA GCSE History: Wider World Depth Study (Paper 1: Section B)): Flashcards
Exam code: 8145
1/1050Still learning
Know0
Define constitutional monarchy.
Was this flashcard helpful?
Cards in this collection (105)
Define constitutional monarchy.
A constitutional monarchy is a state where a monarch is head of state but shares power with a constitution and an elected body; before the First World War Germany was one.
Who was the Kaiser (emperor) of Germany before the First World War?
The Kaiser of Germany before the First World War was Kaiser Wilhelm II.
The two bodies of the German government were the Reichstag and the .
The two bodies of the German government were the Reichstag and the Bundesrat.
True or False?
Before the First World War, women could vote in Germany.
False.
Only men could vote and be elected to the Reichstag.
By 1914, how did Germany's industrial economy rank in Europe?
By 1914, Germany had the largest industrial economy in Europe.
Which wealthy industrial region did Germany annex from France in 1871?
In 1871, Germany annexed Alsace-Lorraine from France.
Before the First World War, the German army had around soldiers.
Before the First World War, the German army had around 2,200,000 (2.2 million) soldiers.
Although not the largest, what was the German army's reputation?
Although not the largest, the German army had a reputation as the best-trained and most powerful.
By 1914, how large was Germany's navy?
By 1914, Germany's navy had 85 warships and 23 submarines.
Define naval race.
The naval race was the competition between Britain and Germany in the 1900s to build the strongest navy.
Define Weltpolitik.
Weltpolitik was the Kaiser's policy of making Germany a world power by gaining overseas colonies.
In 1879, which empire did Germany ally with out of fear of Russia?
In 1879, Germany allied with Austria-Hungary out of fear of Russia.
Which three countries formed the Triple Alliance in 1882?
The Triple Alliance of 1882 was formed by Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy.
The Triple Alliance was also known as the .
The Triple Alliance was also known as the Central Powers.
Which two countries formed the Franco-Russian Alliance in 1892?
The Franco-Russian Alliance of 1892 was formed by France and Russia.
Why did the Franco-Russian Alliance of 1892 alarm Germany?
The Franco-Russian Alliance of 1892 alarmed Germany because it raised the threat of Germany being encircled by France and Russia.
Define Entente Cordiale.
The Entente Cordiale was a 'friendly understanding' (non-military agreement) between Britain and France, signed in 1904.
True or False?
The Entente Cordiale committed Britain to go to war for France.
False.
It was non-military and did not commit Britain to war.
The Entente Cordiale ended which long-standing British policy?
The Entente Cordiale ended Britain's long-standing policy of Splendid Isolation.
The Anglo-Russian Entente of 1907 settled colonial disputes between Britain and .
The Anglo-Russian Entente of 1907 settled colonial disputes between Britain and Russia.
Which three countries made up the Triple Entente, formed in 1907?
The Triple Entente, formed in 1907, was made up of Britain, France and Russia.
Before 1914, what kind of obligation did the Triple Entente involve?
Before 1914, the Triple Entente involved a 'moral obligation' to support one another — not yet a military agreement.
What fear of Germany's did the alliance system confirm?
The alliance system confirmed Germany's fear of encirclement by hostile powers.
Define international crisis.
An international crisis is a situation where two or more nations are in conflict, short of actual war but with a high probability of war.
In 1905, which Moroccan port did Kaiser Wilhelm II visit to challenge France?
In 1905, Kaiser Wilhelm II visited the Moroccan port of Tangier to challenge France.
Why did the Kaiser intervene in Morocco in 1905?
The Kaiser intervened in Morocco in 1905 to test the Entente Cordiale and to show off Germany's power.
Which 1906 conference resolved the First Moroccan Crisis?
The First Moroccan Crisis was resolved by the Algeciras Conference in 1906.
What was decided about France's role in Morocco at Algeciras?
At Algeciras, France gained special rights but was not allowed to colonise Morocco.
True or False?
Germany was left humiliated by the 1905 Moroccan Crisis.
True.
Only Austria-Hungary supported Germany, and France gained special rights.
Which alliance grew stronger as Britain, France and Russia drew closer after 1905?
As Britain, France and Russia drew closer after 1905, the Triple Entente grew stronger.
What triggered the 1911 (Second) Moroccan Crisis?
The 1911 (Second) Moroccan Crisis was triggered by a rebellion in Fez against the Sultan, who asked France for help.
In 1911, France sent soldiers to Fez.
In 1911, France sent 20,000 soldiers to Fez.
As a show of strength in 1911, Germany sent the warship to Morocco.
As a show of strength in 1911, Germany sent the warship Panther to Morocco.
How was the 1911 Moroccan Crisis settled?
In the 1911 Moroccan Crisis, the Kaiser backed down; France gained control of Morocco and Germany received part of the French Congo.
What did Italy's opposition in 1911 show about the Triple Alliance?
Italy's opposition in 1911 showed that the Triple Alliance was weaker and less united than the Triple Entente.
Where were the Balkans located?
The Balkans were a peninsula in the south-east of Europe.
In 1900, which empire controlled most of the Balkans?
In 1900, most of the Balkans was controlled by Türkiye (the Ottoman Empire).
Define 'the sick man of Europe'.
'The sick man of Europe' was the nickname for Türkiye (the Ottoman Empire) as it grew weak and lost much of its empire.
Which two provinces did Austria-Hungary annex in 1908?
In 1908, Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Why did Russia and Serbia back down over the 1908 annexation of Bosnia?
Russia and Serbia backed down over the 1908 annexation of Bosnia because Germany supported Austria-Hungary, and neither Russia nor Serbia was ready for war.
Which secret society, later behind the Archduke's assassination, emerged from the Balkans Crisis?
The secret society that emerged from the Balkans Crisis was the Black Hand.
Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro joined together to form the to fight Türkiye.
Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro joined together to form the Balkan League to fight Türkiye.
Who won the First Balkan War (1912–13), and which treaty ended it?
The First Balkan War (1912–13) was won by the Balkan League; Türkiye signed the Treaty of London (1913).
True or False?
Bulgaria won the Second Balkan War of 1913.
False.
Bulgaria lost and gave up the land it had gained in the First Balkan War.
Which country almost doubled in size after the Second Balkan War, alarming Austria-Hungary?
The country that almost doubled in size after the Second Balkan War, alarming Austria-Hungary, was Serbia.
How did a stronger Serbia increase tension in Europe?
A stronger Serbia increased tension because Austria-Hungary saw Serbia as a growing threat it had to deal with.
After the Balkans Crisis, Russia promised never again to to Germany, and began preparing for war.
After the Balkans Crisis, Russia promised never again to back down to Germany, and began preparing for war.
Define Splendid Isolation.
Splendid Isolation was Britain's 19th-century foreign policy of avoiding alliances to focus on its empire, trade and global position.
Which two agreements ended Britain's Splendid Isolation?
Britain's Splendid Isolation was ended by the Entente Cordiale (1904) with France and the 1907 agreement with Russia.
What phrase did Kaiser Wilhelm use for Germany's ambition to become a world power?
Kaiser Wilhelm described Germany's ambition to become a world power as wanting 'a place in the sun'.
Why did Weltpolitik increase colonial tension with Britain?
Weltpolitik increased colonial tension with Britain because Germany wanted overseas colonies, especially in Africa, where Britain already had a large empire.
Define Dreadnought.
A Dreadnought was a new, faster and more powerful type of British battleship, first launched in 1906.
What was Germany's naval expansion programme of Navy Laws called?
Germany's naval expansion programme of Navy Laws was called the Tirpitz Plan.
Britain's 'two-power standard' said its navy must equal the combined strength of the next largest navies.
Britain's 'two-power standard' said its navy must equal the combined strength of the next two largest navies.
True or False?
Germany had built more Dreadnoughts than Britain by 1914.
False.
Britain won the naval race with 29 Dreadnoughts to Germany's 17.
Which country had the largest army in Europe by 1914?
By 1914, the largest army in Europe belonged to Germany, with around 2,200,000 soldiers.
Which major European power had NOT introduced conscription by 1914?
The major European power that had not introduced conscription by 1914 was Britain.
Germany's plan to avoid a war on two fronts was the Plan.
Germany's plan to avoid a war on two fronts was the Schlieffen Plan.
What was France's war plan called?
France's war plan was called Plan 17.
Who was Archduke Franz Ferdinand?
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
What political change did Franz Ferdinand want for Slavic people?
Franz Ferdinand wanted a triple monarchy giving Slavs equal representation in government.
What was the Black Hand?
The Black Hand was a Serbian secret society (formed 1911) that used terrorism to unite all Slavs.
The Black Hand was formed in 1911 in the Serbian capital, .
The Black Hand was formed in 1911 in the Serbian capital, Belgrade.
On what date was Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassinated?
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated on 28 June 1914.
In which city was the Archduke assassinated?
The Archduke was assassinated in Sarajevo, in Bosnia.
Who shot the Archduke and his wife Sophie?
The Archduke and his wife Sophie were shot by Gavrilo Princip.
True or False?
The first attempt on the Archduke on 28 June 1914 was a bomb, which failed to kill him.
True.
A bomb was thrown but bounced off his car; he was shot later that day.
How did Austria-Hungary respond to Serbia after the assassination?
After the assassination, Austria-Hungary issued a ten-point ultimatum, which Serbia did not fully accept.
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on 28 1914.
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on 28 July 1914.
Why was the assassination so significant, despite seeming a local issue?
The assassination was so significant because it triggered the alliance system, dragging Europe's major powers into war.
By 3 August 1914, which major European power had NOT yet entered the war?
By 3 August 1914, the major European power that had not yet entered the war was Britain.
Define the 'blank cheque'.
The 'blank cheque' was Germany's promise on 5 July 1914 of full, unconditional support to Austria-Hungary against Serbia.
What did Austria-Hungary send Serbia after the assassination?
After the assassination, Austria-Hungary sent Serbia a ten-point ultimatum (a list of demands).
Serbia was given hours to respond to the ultimatum.
Serbia was given 48 hours to respond to the ultimatum.
How many of the ten ultimatum points did Serbia accept?
Serbia accepted nine out of ten of the ultimatum points.
Which ultimatum point did Serbia refuse, and why?
Serbia refused Point 6 — letting Austrian police operate in Serbia — as it threatened Serbia's independence.
On what date did Austria-Hungary declare war on Serbia?
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on 28 July 1914.
True or False?
Russia mobilised its army to support Serbia.
True.
Russia mobilised, and Germany declared war on Russia on 1 August 1914.
On 1 August 1914, Germany declared war on .
On 1 August 1914, Germany declared war on Russia.
Why did Britain declare war on Germany on 4 August 1914?
Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August 1914 because Germany invaded Belgium, breaking the 1839 Treaty of London, which Britain had signed.
On 3 August 1914, Germany declared war on which country as it invaded Belgium?
On 3 August 1914, as it invaded Belgium, Germany declared war on France.
What turned the conflict from a European war into a world war?
The conflict turned from a European war into a world war because of Germany's invasion of Belgium, which brought Britain and its empire into the war.
On 2 August 1914, Germany put which plan into action, moving troops towards Belgium?
On 2 August 1914, Germany put the Schlieffen Plan into action, moving troops towards Belgium.
What was the Schlieffen Plan designed to avoid?
The Schlieffen Plan was designed to avoid Germany having to fight a war on two fronts against France and Russia.
Who created the Schlieffen Plan, and in which year?
The Schlieffen Plan was created by General Alfred von Schlieffen, in 1905.
Which country did the Schlieffen Plan aim to defeat first?
The Schlieffen Plan aimed to defeat France first.
To reach France, Germany planned to march through Belgium, Luxembourg and the .
To reach France, Germany planned to march through Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
How long did Germany expect Russia to take to mobilise?
Germany expected Russia to take about six weeks to mobilise.
True or False?
Russia mobilised far faster than Germany expected.
True.
Russia mobilised in about ten days.
Germany enacted the Schlieffen Plan on 3 August .
Germany enacted the Schlieffen Plan on 3 August 1914.
How did Belgium affect the Schlieffen Plan?
Belgium resisted, delaying the German advance by about five days.
Why did Britain enter the war in support of Belgium?
Britain entered the war in support of Belgium because Germany's invasion broke the 1839 Treaty of London.
Which 1914 battle marked the failure of the Schlieffen Plan?
The failure of the Schlieffen Plan was marked by the Battle of the Marne.
What did the failure of the Schlieffen Plan lead to?
The failure of the Schlieffen Plan led to a two-front war and the start of trench warfare (stalemate).
The long-term causes of the First World War are remembered by the acronym .
The long-term causes of the First World War are remembered by the acronym M.A.I.N.
What does the 'M.A.I.N' acronym stand for?
The 'M.A.I.N' acronym stands for Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism and Nationalism.
Define militarism.
Militarism is the build-up of armed forces and the belief in using military strength; e.g. the Anglo-German naval race.
Define imperialism.
Imperialism is the drive to build and expand an empire and colonies; e.g. rivalry over Morocco and Weltpolitik.
Which country has traditionally been blamed most for the war, and why?
The country traditionally blamed most for the war is Germany — for its aggressive foreign policy, the 'blank cheque' to Austria-Hungary, and invading Belgium.
What is usually seen as the short-term 'spark' of the war?
The short-term 'spark' of the war is usually seen as the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
True or False?
Germany alone was responsible for the First World War.
False.
Germany played a key role, but Austria-Hungary, Serbia, France, Russia and Britain all contributed.
Which form of nationalism was both a long-term and a short-term cause?
The form of nationalism that was both a long-term and a short-term cause was Serbian nationalism.
How did the alliance system help cause the war?
The alliance system helped cause the war because it split Europe into two rival blocs, so one conflict dragged all the great powers in.
Germany's invasion of is why many hold it most responsible, as it brought Britain into the war.
Germany's invasion of Belgium is why many hold it most responsible, as it brought Britain into the war.
Name the two rival alliance blocs in 1914.
The two rival alliance blocs in 1914 were the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente.
Sign up to unlock flashcards
or