World War 1 Flashcards

(106 cards)

1
Q

What was the significance of the name ‘Great War’?

A

The name ‘Great War’ signifies the world’s first experience of such a large-scale conflict, not because it was enjoyable but due to its unprecedented scale.

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2
Q

How many people were killed during the Great War?

A

Around 9 million people were killed during the Great War.

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3
Q

What is one reason many people referred to the Great War as ‘the war to end all wars’?

A

The enormous death toll and horror of the conflict led many to believe it would be the last major war.

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4
Q

What are long-term causes of the Great War?

A

Long-term causes include nationalism, militarism, imperialism, and alliances.

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5
Q

Define nationalism in the context of the early 20th century.

A

Nationalism is the pride in one’s country, leading people to believe their nation is superior to others.

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6
Q

What was the arms race?

A

The arms race was a competition among countries to build larger and more powerful armies and navies.

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7
Q

What role did imperialism play in the causes of the Great War?

A

Imperialism created tensions and rivalries among European countries as they competed for control over territories, particularly in Africa.

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8
Q

What were the two main alliances formed in Europe before the Great War?

A

The two main alliances were the Triple Entente (Britain, France, and Russia) and the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy).

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9
Q

True or False: Alliances were meant to deter countries from starting wars.

A

True.

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10
Q

Fill in the blank: The competition to build up military forces is known as _______.

A

[militarism]

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11
Q

What is an alliance?

A

An alliance is a group of nations that agree to support each other in the event of a war.

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12
Q

How did alliances contribute to the outbreak of war?

A

Alliances meant that a conflict between two nations could quickly escalate to involve multiple countries.

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13
Q

What was the impact of the Great War on British society?

A

The Great War affected the lives of every man, woman, and child in Britain.

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14
Q

What did the memorials in towns and schools signify?

A

Memorials recorded the names of soldiers who died during the Great War, serving as a tribute to their sacrifice.

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15
Q

What is the significance of memorials like Birmingham’s Hall of Memory?

A

Memorials served as a place for grieving relatives to remember the dead, as none of the bodies were returned to Britain.

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16
Q

What metaphor did some historians use to describe Europe in 1914?

A

Some historians compared Europe to two groups of mountain climbers tied together with one rope.

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17
Q

Fill in the blank: The belief that one’s army is the best and should be maintained at all costs is called _______.

A

[militarism]

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18
Q

What event is often compared to a barrel of gunpowder in 1914 Europe?

A

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

This metaphor highlights the tense political climate that led to World War I.

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19
Q

Who was assassinated on 28 June 1914?

A

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

He was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne.

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20
Q

Where was Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassinated?

A

In Sarajevo, Bosnia

Bosnia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the time.

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21
Q

What group planned the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand?

A

The ‘Black Hand’

This group was made up of Serbian nationalists.

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22
Q

What was the purpose of the ‘Black Hand’ in assassinating the Archduke?

A

To highlight their cause for Bosnia to join Serbia

Many Bosnians wanted to join Serbia, leading to tensions.

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23
Q

What significant event occurred at 9:28 am on 28 June 1914?

A

Archduke Franz Ferdinand arrived at Sarajevo train station

He was accompanied by his wife, Sophie.

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24
Q

What happened during the first assassination attempt on the Archduke?

A

A bomb was thrown at his car, but it missed

The bomb injured others and caused panic.

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25
What decision did Archduke Franz Ferdinand make after the bomb attack?
He decided to visit those injured ## Footnote This decision ultimately led to his assassination.
26
What occurred when the Archduke's driver took a wrong turn?
Gavrilo Princip shot the Archduke and his wife ## Footnote This was the successful assassination after the failed bomb attack.
27
What was Gavrilo Princip's condition at the time of the assassination?
He was terminally ill with tuberculosis ## Footnote He survived another four years after the assassination.
28
Fill in the blank: Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on _______.
28 July 1914
29
What action did Russia take following Austria-Hungary's declaration of war?
Russia prepared its army to protect Serbia ## Footnote This escalated the conflict into a larger war.
30
On what date did Germany declare war on Russia?
1 August 1914
31
What was Germany's military strategy regarding France?
To defeat France before attacking Russia ## Footnote This was part of the Schlieffen Plan.
32
What happened when Germany requested passage through Belgium?
Belgium denied the request, but Germany invaded anyway ## Footnote This violation led to Britain's involvement in the war.
33
Fill in the blank: Britain declared war on Germany on _______.
4 August 1914
34
What countries were part of the Allies during World War I?
* Britain and her Empire * France * Belgium * Italy (after 1915) * Serbia * Romania (after 1916) * Portugal (after 1916) * Russia (until 1917) ## Footnote This coalition opposed the Central Powers.
35
What countries were part of the Central Powers during World War I?
* Germany * Austria-Hungary * Turkey ## Footnote These nations fought against the Allies.
36
True or False: Italy remained with the Central Powers throughout the war.
False ## Footnote Italy joined the Allies in 1915, breaking previous agreements.
37
Explain how the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand led to the outbreak of the Great War.
His assassination triggered a series of alliances and declarations of war among major European nations ## Footnote The event set off a chain reaction that escalated into a global conflict.
38
When was war declared in World War I?
August 1914
39
What did many people believe regarding the duration of the war?
That it would be over by Christmas
40
What is the term used to describe the area where two armies meet?
Front
41
What was Germany's worst nightmare regarding the war?
A war against France and Russia at the same time
42
What was the name of the German plan to quickly defeat France?
Schlieffen Plan
43
What was the initial strategy of the Schlieffen Plan?
To quickly defeat France with a huge knock-out blow through Belgium
44
What unexpected resistance did Germany face when implementing the Schlieffen Plan?
Fierce resistance from the Belgian army
45
What was the size of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF)?
125,000 men
46
What happened on 19 August 1914 that affected Germany's plans?
The Russians launched an attack on Germany
47
What did the German army do by September 1914?
Retreated 40 miles behind the River Aisne
48
What did both sides do after digging in at the River Aisne?
Set up trenches
49
What term describes the situation where neither side could advance?
Stalemate
50
By the end of 1914, how far did the trenches stretch?
From the English Channel to Switzerland
51
What were the two main fronts of the Great War?
Western Front and Eastern Front
52
What geographical areas were involved in the Eastern Front?
Russians fought against Germans and Austrians
53
In addition to the Western and Eastern Fronts, where else was fighting taking place?
Turkey (Salonika Front) and at sea and in the air
54
What was a significant logistical change by the time the Schlieffen Plan was put into action?
Railways and motor vehicles moved troops quicker
55
How did the French manage to ferry extra troops into battle?
By hiring over 600 taxi cabs
56
What does the term 'stalemate' mean?
A situation where neither side can advance
57
True or False: The Schlieffen Plan was created in the twentieth century.
False
58
What did many people believe regarding the duration of the war?
That it would be over by Christmas
59
What is the term used to describe the area where two armies meet?
Front
60
What was Germany's worst nightmare regarding the war?
A war against France and Russia at the same time
61
What was the name of the German plan to quickly defeat France?
Schlieffen Plan
62
What was the initial strategy of the Schlieffen Plan?
To quickly defeat France with a huge knock-out blow through Belgium
63
What unexpected resistance did Germany face when implementing the Schlieffen Plan?
Fierce resistance from the Belgian army
64
What was the size of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF)?
125,000 men
65
What happened on 19 August 1914 that affected Germany's plans?
The Russians launched an attack on Germany
66
What did the German army do by September 1914?
Retreated 40 miles behind the River Aisne
67
What did both sides do after digging in at the River Aisne?
Set up trenches
68
What term describes the situation where neither side could advance?
Stalemate
69
By the end of 1914, how far did the trenches stretch?
From the English Channel to Switzerland
70
What were the two main fronts of the Great War?
Western Front and Eastern Front
71
What geographical areas were involved in the Eastern Front?
Russians fought against Germans and Austrians
72
In addition to the Western and Eastern Fronts, where else was fighting taking place?
Turkey (Salonika Front) and at sea and in the air
73
What was a significant logistical change by the time the Schlieffen Plan was put into action?
Railways and motor vehicles moved troops quicker
74
How did the French manage to ferry extra troops into battle?
By hiring over 600 taxi cabs
75
What does the term 'stalemate' mean?
A situation where neither side can advance
76
What was the primary purpose of duckboards in trench warfare?
To stop troops sinking in the mud ## Footnote Duckboards were essential for maintaining mobility in muddy conditions.
77
What was the function of the fire step in the trenches?
Soldiers stood on these to look and fire 'over the top' ## Footnote The fire step allowed soldiers to gain a height advantage for observing and shooting at the enemy.
78
What are dugouts in the context of trench warfare?
Rooms dug out of the back wall of trenches ## Footnote Dugouts provided shelter and a place for soldiers to receive orders.
79
What was the purpose of a periscope in the trenches?
Enabled troops to see 'over the top' without risk of being shot ## Footnote Periscopes were crucial for reconnaissance while minimizing exposure to enemy fire.
80
How did barbed wire affect attacking troops?
Slowed down attacking troops ## Footnote Millions of miles of barbed wire were used to create obstacles for the enemy.
81
What is a machine gun, and what was its impact in trench warfare?
Rapid-firing gun that mowed down attacking troops ## Footnote Machine guns were a significant factor in the high casualty rates during attacks.
82
What is the role of a concrete bunker in trench warfare?
Reinforced subterranean bunker ## Footnote Concrete bunkers provided protection against enemy fire and bombings.
83
What does artillery refer to in the context of trench warfare?
Huge guns that fired enormous explosive or poisonous shells for miles ## Footnote Artillery played a critical role in both offense and defense during the war.
84
What was a machine gun nest?
Protected the machine gun and soaked up moisture ## Footnote Machine gun nests were strategically placed for effective defense.
85
What was the purpose of aeroplanes during World War One?
Helped spot targets for artillery, dropped bombs on the enemy, and shot down enemy planes ## Footnote Aeroplanes introduced a new dimension to warfare by enabling aerial reconnaissance and attacks.
86
What is a communication trench?
Linked the front line trench to the reserve trenches ## Footnote Communication trenches facilitated movement and information flow between different trench lines.
87
What are reserve trenches used for?
Soldiers went there to rest or to wait to go to the front line ## Footnote Reserve trenches were essential for troop management and rest periods.
88
What was the function of the gas bell in the trenches?
Would be rung to tell troops to put on gas masks ## Footnote The gas bell was crucial for protecting soldiers from chemical attacks.
89
What is 'no man's land'?
The area between opposing trenches ## Footnote No man's land was often filled with obstacles and was extremely dangerous for soldiers.
90
What attracted many rats to the trenches during World War I?
Dead bodies and food scraps ## Footnote The presence of decomposing bodies and leftover food in the trenches created an ideal environment for rats to thrive.
91
How many offspring can one pair of rats produce in a year?
880 offspring ## Footnote This rapid reproduction led to a significant increase in the rat population in the trenches.
92
What did Harry Patch claim about the size of the rats in the trenches?
There were rats as big as cats ## Footnote This indicates the alarming size of the rats due to the conditions in the trenches.
93
What is trench foot?
An infection of the feet caused by cold, wet, and dirty conditions ## Footnote Soldiers often stood for long periods in wet trenches, leading to this painful condition.
94
What can happen if trench foot is untreated?
It could turn gangrenous and result in amputation ## Footnote This underscores the severity of trench foot and its potential consequences for soldiers.
95
How many men in the British Army were treated for trench foot during the winter of 1914-15?
Over 20,000 men ## Footnote This statistic highlights the widespread occurrence of trench foot during early wartime conditions.
96
What was the main food soldiers ate during World War I?
'Bully beef', bread, and biscuits ## Footnote These items were staples in the soldiers' rations, especially as the war progressed.
97
What did soldiers' bread become made from due to flour shortages?
Ground up turnips ## Footnote This change in bread ingredients reflects the scarcity of resources during the war.
98
What was the main meal soldiers consumed as the war progressed?
Thin pea-soup with lumps of horsemeat ## Footnote The lack of fresh vegetables often led to unpalatable meals.
99
What did soldiers drink during their time in the trenches?
Weak coffee and oxo ## Footnote This limited diet contributed to the poor nutrition of soldiers.
100
What was a common complaint about the soldiers' tea?
It tasted of vegetables ## Footnote This was due to the inability to clean cooking utensils properly.
101
What was the daily routine of soldiers in the trenches characterized by?
Much the same as the last, unless there was a battle ## Footnote This monotony was a significant aspect of trench life.
102
What was the morning ritual called where soldiers fired towards enemy lines?
'Morning hate' ## Footnote This ritual was part of the soldiers' daily routine to maintain a sense of vigilance.
103
What was the most common task carried out by soldiers?
Cleaning their weapons ## Footnote Maintaining their Lee Enfield rifles was essential to prevent malfunctions.
104
How was water usually brought to the front line?
In petrol cans ## Footnote Chloride of lime was added to kill bacteria, affecting the taste.
105
What was a distressing discovery soldiers sometimes made in the winter?
Frozen bodies in the ice ## Footnote This could cause psychological distress among the troops.
106
How often did most battalions spend time in the line of fire?
Rarely more than five days a month ## Footnote This rotation helped maintain soldier morale and reduce exposure to combat.