Grade 10 Final Exam Flashcards
(30 cards)
What was the direct cause of the First World War?
The assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist, in Sarajevo (June 28, 1914).
How did alliances contribute to the First World War?
Two alliance systems (Triple Entente: Britain, France, Russia and Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) turned a regional conflict into a global war.
What was the Schlieffen Plan and why is it important?
Germany’s military plan to avoid a two-front war by quickly invading France through Belgium; caused Britain to enter the war.
How did imperialism contribute to WWI?
European powers competed for colonies, especially in Africa and Asia, creating global tension and mistrust.
How did the arms race contribute to WWI?
European nations expanded their armies and navies, especially Germany and Britain, increasing the likelihood of war.
What role did nationalism play in causing WWI?
National pride and ethnic tensions (especially in the Balkans) fueled aggression and conflict, like Serbia wanting independence from Austria-Hungary.
What were the effects of the Treaty of Versailles?
It blamed Germany for the war, imposed heavy reparations, limited its military, and led to economic and political instability in Germany.
What new countries were formed after WWI?
Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Poland, and others—split from collapsed empires like Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire.
What was the League of Nations?
An international peace organization created after WWI to prevent future wars; it was weak and failed to stop WWII.
How did land disputes cause future tensions?
New borders led to ethnic minorities in new countries and unresolved territorial claims (e.g., Germany and Poland).
How did WWI contribute to the rise of authoritarian rulers?
Economic hardship and dissatisfaction with peace treaties helped fascist leaders like Hitler and Mussolini gain support.
How did WWI contribute to WWII?
The Treaty of Versailles caused anger and humiliation in Germany, leading to revengeful nationalism and Hitler’s rise.
What were the weaknesses of the Weimar Republic?
- It was unstable
- faced economic crises
- lacked popular support
making it vulnerable to extremist parties like the Nazis.
How did the Great Depression help cause WWII?
It caused:
- global economic collapse
- increased unemployment
- made extremist ideologies more attractive.
Why did nationalism increase before WWII?
Countries like Germany, Italy, and Japan promoted aggressive nationalism to restore lost pride and territory.
Why were authoritarian leaders appealing in the 1930s?
Economic instability and fear led people to support strong leaders who promised order and national greatness.
What actions did Hitler take that led to WWII?
- Rebuilt the military
- Reoccupied the Rhineland
- Annexed Austria
- Demanded Sudetenland
- Invaded Poland in 1939.
How did WWII lead to independence movements?
- European powers were weakened
- Colonies in Africa and Asia demanded independence (e.g., India in 1947).
How did WWII affect European economies?
- Europe was devastated physically and economically
- Leading to dependence on U.S. aid (e.g., Marshall Plan).
What was the policy of appeasement?
Britain and France allowed Hitler to expand unchecked to avoid war
- notably at the Munich Conference (1938), which failed.
What were the two superpowers after WWII?
The United States and the Soviet Union, who emerged powerful and with opposing ideologies.
What were the ideological differences between the USA and USSR?
USA = capitalist democracy; USSR = communist dictatorship. These differences led to mistrust and conflict.
What happened at the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences?
- Allied leaders met to decide postwar Europe.
- Disagreements over Germany and Eastern Europe deepened tensions.
How did tensions grow between the USA and USSR after WWII?
Their opposing ideologies (capitalism vs communism) and global ambitions led to political and military rivalry.What were the ideological differences between the USA and USSR?
