Criterion A test #4 Flashcards
Attrition
In the years of 1915 and 19 on the Western front, Erich von Falkenhayn, the German new chief of staff began to understand that victories in battle, while important, was not as important as weakening the enemy in the long run. Therefore, the military strategy of attrition was formulated. The purpose of it was essentially to weaken other enemies by depleting essential sources and materials, effectively lowering their threat. It was seen as the key to winning the war- diminishing the morale, weapons, and food would either weaken the enemy or cause them to surrender. The most well known example of attrition is the Battle of Verdun on the western front. The wars of attrition are important because this prolonged depletion of resources is what caused the war to last longer than it should have. Ironically, the wars of attrition also brought about the collapse of the German army.
Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
In early 1915, Germany declared unrestricted submarine warfare, around the British Isles, which they declared to be a warzone. Any ships seen in this area could be sunk by the German army. meaning they had the authority to sink any ships, in an attempt to escape the naval blockade they were placed under by Britain in the North Sea. By this point Germany was almost starved out and this declaration of warfare served as a last resort. At this point. Britain was sneaking weapons in civilian ships which weakened Germany further and their mortality rate greatly increased. Finally, Germany sank the Lusitania, a British liner with 128 Americans onboard. The sinking of this liner is what angered America, causing them to enter the war against Germany despite the fact that before the sinking, Woodrow Wilson was pro-German.
Verdun Campaign
In February 1916, German troops quickly advanced under the command of Falkenhayn in an effort to lower the French protection of the fortresses around Verdun. These fortresses were an inconvenience for German communications. Falkenhayn wanted to “bleed the French white” and force them to surrender, which would be a heavy blow to Allied morale as well as a huge asset to Germany. The battle was fought on the French-German border and lasted four months. France effectively fought off the attack.This battle was important because it introduced the use of flamethrowers and poison gas, and is known as one of the deadliest battles in human history. There is no victor to this battle since even though Germany was repelled, France had hundreds of thousands of casualties. After this battle, Falkenhayn is no longer the chief of staff. This battle is important because it spurred the British to initiate the Battle of Somme in an attempt to ease German pressure off of Verdun.
Battle of Somme
Known as the deadliest battle along with the Verdun campaign, the Battle of Somme was the first great British offensive and was an attempt to ease the German pressure off of Verdun. The Somme quickly became a battle of attrition. It was fought between July and november 1916. During the battle, British troops adopted new military techniques but the casualties totalled to 1.5 million. Trench warfare was unsuccessfully used. This battle was essentially a stalemate that lowered morale and resources and all sides.
Battle of Ypres
In the battle of Ypres, Germany uses poison gas which adds an aspect of fear and uncertainty into the war. Even though the Allies use this as well, Germany is now portrayed as evil by propaganda. This battle helped Adolf Hitler rise to fame after he helped a wounded comrade and received the highest German military honor. This battle helped both sides establish an elaborate trench network. The battle of ypres were a series of battles, so it was fought throughout the whole war.
Versailles Treaty
The Versailles treaty was one of the many treaties drawn up at the Paris peace conference after WW1. It was attended by France, Britain, and the US, widely seen as the victors of the war. They assembled to discuss punishments for Germany. France was the most radical in regards to Germany’s punishment, America was the most peaceful, and Britain was neutral. The countries finally agreed on dematerializing the left bank of Rhine, surrendering overseas colonies, paying reparations, reducing their large military, They also had to accept responsibility for the war, something many couldn’t accept. Germany was upset about this because they weren’t invited to discuss their own terms.
How did the British blockade impact Germany and Austria-Hungary?
It starved them out
What did the blockade lead to?
Unrestricted submarine warfare
How did food shortages impact morale?
It lowered morale and led to mass desertion
What was Lloyd George’s “Christmas Present”?
Jerusalem
Why was Tsar Nicholas forced to abandon throne?
Revolution
Where did the British redraw political lines?
The British redrew the boundaries of the Middle East, still creating controversy today
What were Germany’s settlement terms?
The settlement terms given to the Germans included loss of territory, surrender of oversea colonies, heavy reparation costs, military reduction, and Allied military forces on the Rhine
What were allied fears in 1918?
was of not winning the war and for the British and French forces’ chances of survival
What was german fears in 1918
Germany’s fear in the beginning of 1918 was of unity wearing thin, economic suffering, and for the blow needed to the Allies
