Unit 3: The Pursuit of National Intrest Flashcards
Why was WWI referred to as the “war to end all wars”?
The scale of destruction was unprecedented, largely due to the industrial revolution, which allowed for the mass production of advanced weapons
What technological innovations in weaponry were introduced during WWI?
Major innovations included machine guns, warships, tanks, airplanes, and chemical weapons
What made the Battle of Ypres significant during WWI?
It was one of the first uses of chemical warfare, where Canadians bravely defended against German chlorine gas attacks, contributing to Canada’s national identity
What is meant by a “war of attrition”?
It refers to a defensive war where both sides try to wear down the enemy over time, as seen in trench warfare during WWI
What were the conditions like for soldiers in the trenches during WWI?
Conditions were horrific, with constant bombardments, trench foot, lice, and soldiers often getting stuck in barbed wire while going over the top into no-man’s land
Which major battles defined Canada’s role in WWI?
Battles like Ypres, Somme, Vimy Ridge, and Passchendaele were crucial in shaping Canada’s identity during WWI
What internal conflict did Canada face during WWI regarding conscription?
Canada faced a conscription crisis, particularly between the Quebecois and the rest of Canada, as the war dragged on
Why did Italy leave the Central Powers during WWI?
Italy left the Central Powers in pursuit of land and national interest, joining the Allied Powers
What caused Russia to leave WWI in 1917?
Russia exited WWI due to internal revolution, as its national interest shifted towards establishing a new government
What factors led to the US joining WWI despite its initial isolationist stance?
The US joined due to Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmerman telegram, which encouraged Mexico to wage war against the US
Which major empires collapsed as a result of WWI?
The Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Russian, and German empires all collapsed by the end of WWI
When was the armistice that ended WWI signed?
The armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, at 11 am
What was the purpose of the Paris Peace Treaty in 1919?
: The Paris Peace Treaty aimed to officially end WWI and set terms for peace, although the harsh conditions contributed to future conflicts
What was the main purpose of Wilson’s 14 Points?
Wilson’s 14 Points aimed to create a lasting peace that would encourage international trade and protect the US’s reputation
What were some key recommendations in Wilson’s 14 Points?
They included open treaties, disarmament, freedom of the seas, and boundaries based on ethnic self-determination
What was the League of Nations, and why was it formed?
The League of Nations, part of Wilson’s 14 Points, was formed to mediate international conflicts and prevent future wars
What were some early successes of the League of Nations?
The League successfully mediated small conflicts, fought against slavery, and addressed worker rights and disease
What were the key failures of the League of Nations?
The League failed to prevent large-scale conflicts, such as Japan’s invasion of Manchuria and Italy’s invasion of Abyssinia, weakening its authority
What was the main focus of the Treaty of Versailles?
The Treaty of Versailles focused on punishing the aggressor nations, particularly Germany, through reparations and territorial losses
What was the “war guilt clause” in the Treaty of Versailles?
The war guilt clause forced Germany to accept full responsibility for WWI and pay reparations
How did the Treaty of Versailles violate the principle of ethnic self-determination?
The creation of nations like Czechoslovakia ignored ethnic boundaries, leading to future tensions
What were the major territorial changes in Europe after WWI?
Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France, Poland was re-established with the Polish Corridor, and Czechoslovakia was created from German lands
How did the redrawing of European borders contribute to future conflicts?
The creation of new nations and divisions, such as the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia, violated self-determination, leading to unrest and the eventual outbreak of WWII