WW1 depth study

Question 1

What was the main goal of the Schlieffen Plan?

Answer 1

To avoid a two-front war by quickly defeating France through Belgium and then turning to fight Russia.

Question 2

Why did the Schlieffen Plan fail?

Answer 2

Belgian resistance, British intervention at Mons, French counterattack at Marne, and rapid Russian mobilisation.

Question 3

What was the ‘Race to the Sea’?

Answer 3

Both sides tried to outflank each other northwards, resulting in continuous trench lines.

Question 4

Why did trench warfare lead to stalemate?

Answer 4

Defensive weapons like machine guns and barbed wire made attacks deadly, and neither side could gain ground.

Question 5

What were conditions like in the trenches?

Answer 5

Muddy, rat-infested, lice, trench foot, disease, and psychological trauma (shell shock).

Question 6

Name two key developments in weaponry during WWI.

Answer 6

Machine guns and poison gas (chlorine, phosgene, mustard gas).

Question 7

What was the significance of the Battle of Verdun?

Answer 7

Germans tried to wear down the French; both sides suffered massive casualties (~700,000); symbolic importance to France.

Question 8

What happened on the first day of the Battle of the Somme?

Answer 8

British suffered 57,000 casualties—the worst day in British military history.

Question 10

How many Indian troops served early in the war?

Answer 10

Over 100,000

Indian troops faced harsh winter conditions, racism, and language barriers.

Question 11

In which battles did Canadian troops fight?

Answer 11

Ypres, the Somme, and Vimy Ridge

Vimy Ridge in 1917 was a major victory for Canada.

Question 12

Which forces were known as ANZACs?

Answer 12

Australians and New Zealanders

ANZACs were active in Gallipoli and on the Western Front, such as Passchendaele.

Question 13

What role did Empire troops play in World War I?

Answer 13

Reinforcing the front lines and showing growing independence and identity.

Question 14

What guerrilla tactics did Indian troops face in German East Africa?

Answer 14

Guerrilla tactics by German General von Lettow-Vorbeck.

Question 15

What was the outcome of South African forces in South West Africa?

Answer 15

Defeated German colonial troops.

Question 16

What challenges did troops face in Africa?

Answer 16

Disease, climate, and terrain.

Question 17

What significant event did Japanese forces participate in during 1914?

Answer 17

Siege of Tsingtao.

Question 18

What was the strategic role of Japan during the war?

Answer 18

Securing sea routes by patrolling the Pacific and Indian Oceans, escorting convoys.

Question 19

Who led the Arab Revolt?

Answer 19

Sharif Hussein of Mecca.

Question 20

What was a notable achievement of the Arab Revolt?

Answer 20

Captured Aqaba and Damascus.

Question 21

What did the Arab Revolt target?

Answer 21

Ottoman rule in the Middle East.

Question 22

Fill in the blank: The Arab Revolt disrupted _______ supply lines.

Answer 22

Ottoman

Question 23

True or False: The Arab Revolt was supported by British forces.

Answer 23

True

Question 24

What was the impact of the British naval blockade on Germany?

Answer 24

Caused shortages of food and raw materials, weakened German morale and economy

The blockade significantly affected the German war effort and civilian life.

Question 25

What was the significance of the Battle of Jutland?

Answer 25

Only major naval battle; Germans inflicted more damage but British maintained control of the North Sea ## Footnote This battle was crucial in establishing naval dominance.

Question 26

What tactic did Germany use to disrupt maritime trade during the war?

Answer 26

Unrestricted submarine warfare ## Footnote This involved targeting merchant ships without warning.

Question 27

What was the outcome of the sinking of the Lusitania?

Answer 27

Killed 128 Americans, contributed to U.S. entry into the war ## Footnote The event heightened tensions between the U.S. and Germany.

Question 28

What was the convoy system?

Answer 28

Merchant ships traveled in groups with naval escort to reduce losses from U-boats ## Footnote This strategy significantly improved the safety of Allied shipping.

Question 29

What was the goal of the Gallipoli Campaign?

Answer 29

Open a route to Russia by capturing Dardanelles and Constantinople ## Footnote This campaign aimed to support Russia and secure a supply line.

Question 30

What challenges did British and ANZAC forces face during the Gallipoli Campaign?

Answer 30

Strong Turkish resistance, poor leadership, logistical failures, disease, harsh terrain ## Footnote These factors led to heavy casualties and a stalemate.

Question 31

What was the outcome of the Gallipoli Campaign?

Answer 31

Heavy casualties, stalemate; Allied evacuation in January 1916 ## Footnote The campaign was deemed a strategic failure but had lasting significance for national identities.

Question 32

How did the Eastern Front compare to the Western Front?

Answer 32

Larger scale, more movement ## Footnote The Eastern Front saw significant battles and more fluid warfare.

Question 33

What were the major battles on the Eastern Front?

Answer 33

Tannenberg (1914), Brusilov Offensive (1916) ## Footnote These battles were significant in the context of the Eastern Front's dynamics.

Question 34

What led to the Russian Revolution in 1917?

Answer 34

Tsar’s abdication, Bolsheviks taking power in October 1917 ## Footnote The revolution had profound effects on Russia and the war.

Question 35

What was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?

Answer 35

Agreement in March 1918 that led to Russia exiting the war, losing territory ## Footnote This treaty allowed Germany to transfer troops to the Western Front.

Question 36

What were the impacts of the war on civilian populations in Britain and France?

Answer 36

Rationing, conscription, censorship ## Footnote These measures were implemented to support the war effort.

Question 37

What severe shortages did Germany face during the war?

Answer 37

Severe shortages of food and materials due to the British blockade ## Footnote The blockade had devastating effects on the German civilian population.

Question 38

What roles did women take on during the war?

Answer 38

Industry, transport, nursing; helped gain voting rights in some countries post-war ## Footnote Women's contributions during the war were pivotal in changing societal roles.

Question 39

What was the significance of the bombing by German Zeppelins?

Answer 39

First experience of civilian air raids in British cities ## Footnote This marked a new phase in warfare that targeted civilian populations.

Question 40

How did morale in the civilian populations remain during the war?

Answer 40

Kept up through propaganda; hardship and loss affected populations deeply ## Footnote Propaganda played a crucial role in maintaining support for the war despite difficulties.

Question 41

What event led to America's entry into World War I in April 1917?

Answer 41

Unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram ## Footnote The Zimmermann Telegram was a secret diplomatic communication from Germany to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the U.S.

Question 42

What were the contributions of the U.S. to the Allies during World War I?

Answer 42

Fresh troops, money, and industrial power ## Footnote These contributions significantly boosted Allied morale and helped turn the tide of the war.

Question 43

What was the German Spring Offensive also known as?

Answer 43

The Ludendorff Offensive

Question 44

What was the main goal of the German Spring Offensive?

Answer 44

To defeat the Allies before U.S. troops arrived in large numbers

Question 45

What were the results of the German Spring Offensive?

Answer 45

Initial success, but overextended supply lines, high casualties, and no strategic breakthrough ## Footnote The offensive ultimately failed to achieve its objectives.

Question 46

What was the Allied counterattack that pushed Germans back after the Spring Offensive?

Answer 46

The Hundred Days Offensive

Question 47

What factors contributed to the revolution in Germany in October-November 1918?

Answer 47

War-weariness, food shortages, and defeat on the battlefield

Question 48

What event sparked a wider revolution in Germany during this period?

Answer 48

The Kiel Mutiny

Question 49

What significant political change occurred in Germany on 9 November 1918?

Answer 49

Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated and Germany declared a republic

Question 50

When was the Armistice signed that ended fighting in World War I?

Answer 50

11 November 1918

Question 51

What was the location of the signing of the Armistice?

Answer 51

In a railway carriage in Compiègne, France

Question 52

What time did the Armistice take effect?

Answer 52

11am

Question 53

What was the purpose of the Armistice signed on 11 November 1918?

Answer 53

To end fighting while a peace treaty was negotiated ## Footnote The peace treaty that followed was the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.