Socials Quiz Flashcards
(21 cards)
What were the four main causes of the First World War?
- Militarism
- Alliances
- Imperialism
- Nationalism
These causes contributed to the complex political landscape in Europe prior to the war.
Define militarism.
A policy or attitude whereby military threats are used to solve problems and disputes.
Often referred to as ‘Saber Rattling’.
What was the primary naval competition between Britain and Germany before WWI?
A frantic arms race focused on producing larger battleships.
What is ‘Gunboat Diplomacy’?
Resolving conflicts between colonial powers through posturing or a show of force.
What were the two major alliances during WWI?
- Triple Entente: Britain, France, and Russia
- Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
What is imperialism?
The policy or attitude of building an empire to increase a country’s strength and wealth.
How did nationalism contribute to the tensions leading to WWI?
A strong sense of pride in cultural and ethnic backgrounds, often leading to conflicts and a desire for independence.
What event triggered the outbreak of WWI?
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary.
Fill in the blank: Austria-Hungary declared war on _______.
Serbia.
What was the Schlieffen Plan?
A German strategy to defeat France quickly before turning to fight Russia.
What were the three major problems with the Schlieffen Plan?
- Belgium fought back, slowing German progress
- Britain honored its treaty to protect Belgium
- Russia mobilized quickly, forcing troop movement.
What characterized life in the trenches during WWI?
- Cold and damp conditions
- Cesspools filled with rats
- Disease due to lack of hygiene.
What was ‘No Man’s Land’?
The land between the trenches filled with barbed wire, mud, and corpses.
What was the significance of the Naval Service Act introduced in 1910?
It authorized the building of warships for Canada.
What was the outcome of the Second Battle of Ypres?
Canadians were blinded, burned, or killed due to the German use of chlorine gas.
What was the main reason for the failure of the Battle of Somme?
The shells did not destroy German defenses, leading to heavy losses for the Allies.
What was the strategic importance of Vimy Ridge?
It provided a clear view of the surrounding countryside, supply routes, and enemy positions.
Who planned the successful attack on Vimy Ridge?
Lieutenant General Julian Byng.
What was the role of sappers in the attack on Vimy Ridge?
They built tunnels to secretly move troops closer to the ridge.
True or False: Canada had its own air force at the beginning of WWI.
False.
What is an ‘Air Ace’?
A pilot who has shot down five enemy aircraft.
