The intro for WW1 Flashcards
Which three major European powers were part of the Entente Powers at the beginning of the 20th century?
Britain, France, and Russia.
Which three major European powers were part of the Central Powers?
Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
What was the major cause of rivalry between France and Germany?
The defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War and the loss of Alsace and Lorraine to Germany.
Why did Britain view Germany as a threat in the early 20th century?
Germany was building a large navy, challenging Britain’s naval supremacy.
What was the Dual Alliance of 1879?
An alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary.
What was the Triple Alliance of 1882?
An alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
What was the Entente Cordiale of 1904?
An alliance between France and Britain.
What was the Triple Entente of 1907?
An alliance between France, Britain, and Russia.
Who was the Chancellor of the newly united Germany in 1871?
Otto von Bismarck.
What was Kaiser Wilhelm II known for regarding Germany’s military?
Building up the German navy.
What major empire was made up of many ethnic groups demanding independence in the early 20th century?
Austria-Hungary.
Which country was the weakest of the Central Powers?
Italy.
Which country was called “The Workshop of the World” during the 19th century?
Britain.
What was one of France’s main aims after 1870?
To take revenge on Germany for the Franco-Prussian War.
Who was in complete control of Russia before World War I?
The Tsar
Which region was a source of tension between Austria-Hungary and Russia?
The Balkans.
Why did Russia support independence in the Balkans?
Because Russia wanted to annoy Austria-Hungary
Which ethnic groups in Austria-Hungary were called Slavs?
Serbs and Bulgars.
Why did Austria-Hungary fear independent Slav countries?
It feared they would inspire other Slavic groups within the empire to seek independence.
What was “Little Serbia” trying to create in the Balkans?
A Southern Slav state called “Yugoslavia.”
What event triggered World War I?
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo.
Which secret society in Serbia was involved in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand?
The Black Hand.
What year did Britain launch the Dreadnought battleship?
1906.
Why did the naval race between Britain and Germany escalate?
Germany began building battleships similar to Britain’s Dreadnoughts.
