The Course And Impact Of WW1 Flashcards
What type of war was being fought and could the German economy cope?
A war of attrition - and no, the economy was only geared for a short war.
How did the Schlieffen Plan fail?
Germany thought it would take Russia six weeks to mobilise - it took them six days! They were still invading France by the time Russia were advancing so they had to split their army.
Why did the German public believe for the majority of the war that they were winning? (Two reasons)
Because Germany’s army were in occupied territory and the propaganda shown to them made them believe their troops were doing well.
In which battle did Britain blockade Germany and starve them of resources, and when was it?
The Battle of Jutland in 1916
How much of the war expenditure was actually met? (Percentage)
16%
How did the government try and meet war costs? (Two ways)
Printing more money and selling war bonds.
When did Halkenhayn and Bethmann resign respectively, and who did this leave in charge?
1916 and 1917, leaving Hindenburg and Ludendorff in charge.
Which country surrendered to Germany in March 1918 and what Treaty did they sign?
Russia - the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk.
Which German leader stepped aside and became very isolated during the War and why?
The Kaiser - because he got “cold feet”. A couple of days into the Belgian invasion he asked the Generals to tell the troops to turn back, but it was too late - perhaps he had regret?
Who decreased in popularity in the Kaiser’s absence and why?
Bethmann - because he wasn’t popular in the Reichstag and therefore needed the Kaiser’s backing to survive as Chancellor.
Ludendorff and Hindenburg had several opportunities to do what, and did they take any of them?
Negotiate peace - but they turned them all down.
What was the KRA and what did it do which was very significant?
An institution which oversaw all companies involved in acquiring, storing and distributing raw materials. They prevented a munitions crisis.
There was a huge decline in supply for what agricultural product during the war and why?
Grain - because the farmers were all getting sent to the front line!
How many Germans died and how many were wounded from the War?
1.8 million dead, 4.2 million wounded.
What happened to politics due to the war?
Polarisation.
