ww1 Flashcards
(48 cards)
What was the significance of the Battle of the Marne in 1914?
The Battle of the Marne marked the end of the German advance into France and the beginning of trench warfare.
When did the Battle of the Marne take place?
The Battle of the Marne took place from September 6 to 12, 1914.
Which two armies fought in the Battle of Tannenberg?
The German and Russian armies fought in the Battle of Tannenberg.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Tannenberg?
The Germans achieved a decisive victory, encircling and destroying the Russian Second Army.
What was the main objective of the Allied Powers in the Battle of Gallipoli?
The main objective was to secure a sea route from Europe to Russia.
What was the result of the Gallipoli campaign?
The campaign ended in a costly failure for the Allies.
How long did the Battle of Verdun last?
The Battle of Verdun lasted from February 21 to December 18, 1916.
Why is the Battle of Verdun significant?
It was one of the longest and bloodiest battles of WWI, with an estimated 700,000 casualties.
What was notable about the Battle of the Somme in terms of military technology?
The Battle of the Somme saw the first use of tanks in warfare by the British.
What was the casualty count for the Battle of the Somme?
Over one million men were wounded or killed in the Battle of the Somme.
Which two navies fought in the Battle of Jutland?
The British Royal Navy and the German Imperial Navy fought in the Battle of Jutland.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Jutland?
Both sides claimed victory, but the British maintained naval dominance.
What were the conditions like during the Battle of Passchendaele?
The battlefield was turned into a quagmire due to heavy rain and mud.
What was the result of the Battle of Passchendaele?
The Allies eventually captured the village of Passchendaele but at a great cost.
Which countries were involved in the Battle of Caporetto?
Germany and Austria-Hungary launched an offensive against Italy.
The Battle of Caporetto (October 24 – November 19, 1917) was a major battle of World War I fought between the Central Powers (Germany and Austria-Hungary) and Italy on the Italian Front. It was one of the most disastrous defeats for Italy and a major success for the Central Powers.
Key Details:
• Location: Near the town of Kobarid (now in Slovenia), along the Isonzo River.
• Belligerents:
• Central Powers: Germany & Austria-Hungary
• Allies: Italy
• Commanders:
• Central Powers: Otto von Below (German general)
• Italy: Luigi Cadorna
What Happened?
• The Austro-Hungarian and German forces launched a surprise lightning offensive using stormtrooper tactics and poison gas.
• The Italian Second Army was overwhelmed, suffering massive losses and a chaotic retreat.
• The Central Powers advanced over 100 km (62 miles), a stunning breakthrough compared to the usual trench warfare stalemates.
• The Italian Army collapsed, with 275,000 soldiers captured, and Italy had to abandon its defensive positions along the Isonzo River.
Aftermath & Consequences:
• The Italian government was shaken, and General Luigi Cadorna was replaced by Armando Diaz.
• Italy regrouped at the Piave River, where it later halted the Central Powers at the Battle of the Piave River (June 1918).
• The defeat led to stronger Allied cooperation, with France and Britain sending reinforcements to help Italy.
• Despite the setback, Italy ultimately recovered and played a key role in defeating Austria-Hungary in 1918.
The Battle of Caporetto is often cited as a textbook example of shock tactics and modern infiltration warfare, which Germany would later use in World War II (Blitzkrieg).
Would you like more details on Italy’s recovery after the battle?
What was the outcome of the Battle of Caporetto?
The Central Powers achieved a significant victory, leading to a major Italian retreat.
What was notable about the Battle of Cambrai in terms of military technology?
It was notable for the first large-scale use of tanks by the British.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Cambrai?
The initial tank assault achieved significant gains, but the Germans eventually counterattacked, leading to a stalemate.
What was the goal of the German Spring Offensive in 1918?
The goal was to break the Allied lines before American forces could fully arrive.
What was the result of the Spring Offensive on the western front?
Despite initial successes, the offensive ultimately failed.
The Spring Offensive (also known as the Kaiserschlacht or Kaiser’s Battle) was a series of German attacks along the Western Front during World War I, launched between March 21 and July 18, 1918. It was Germany’s final attempt to win the war before American troops arrived in significant numbers. The offensive consisted of several operations, the most notable being:
The failure of the Spring Offensive marked a turning point in the war, leading to the Allied Hundred Days Offensive, which eventually forced Germany to seek an armistice.
What did the Battle of Amiens mark the beginning of?
It marked the beginning of the Hundred Days Offensive.
The Hundred Days Offensive (August 8 – November 11, 1918) was the final series of Allied offensives on the Western Front during World War I, leading to the defeat of Germany and the end of the war. It began with the Battle of Amiens on August 8, where a surprise attack by British, Canadian, Australian, and French forces shattered German lines. This day was later called the “Black Day of the German Army” because of the massive German retreat and surrenders.
Following this breakthrough, the Allies launched successive attacks, including the Second Battle of the Somme, the Battle of Saint-Mihiel, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, continuously pushing the Germans back. These offensives broke through the heavily fortified Hindenburg Line, Germany’s last major defensive position.
The campaign demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated attacks using infantry, tanks, artillery, and aircraft, a precursor to modern warfare. German morale collapsed under constant pressure, leading to Kaiser Wilhelm II’s abdication and Germany seeking an armistice, which was signed on November 11, 1918, ending the war
What was the significance of the Battle of Amiens?
The Allies launched a successful attack against the Germans, leading to a series of victories that pushed the Germans back and contributed to ending World War I.
Who was the prominent German general who, along with Erich Ludendorff, led the German military during the latter part of World War I?
Paul von Hindenburg
Which key German military leader played a significant role in the German war effort and the Spring Offensive of 1918?
Erich Ludendorff
