World History FACS 5 Study Guide

1. What single event started WWI?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, is commonly
regarded as the event that triggered World War

2. What countries were part of the Central Powers and Allied Powers?

The Central Powers consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria. The
Allied Powers included France, Russia, the United Kingdom, Italy and later the United States

3. Define: nationalism, imperialism, and militarism

Nationalism: A strong feeling of pride in and devotion to one’s country.

Imperialism: A policy of extending a country’s power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

Militarism: The belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong
military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests.

4. Define: Western and Eastern Front

Western Front: The main theatre of war during World War I in Western Europe where the Allies and the
Central Powers battled across a line that extended from the North Sea to Switzerland.

Eastern Front: The theatre of conflict between the Russian Empire and the Central Powers, extending
from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Black Sea in the south.

5. Name three reasons why the US joined WWI

The resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany.

The Zimmerman Telegram, in which Germany attempted to persuade Mexico to join the war on the
Central Powers’ side.

Economic ties and debts to the Allies, particularly to the United Kingdom and France.

6. Characteristics of trench warfare

Trench warfare was marked by long periods of stalemate, with soldiers living in deep trenches to protect
themselves from enemy fire. Conditions were often horrific, featuring mud, rats, and a high incidence of
diseases.

7. What was the War Guilt Clause?

Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles, known as the War Guilt Clause, assigned sole responsibility for
starting World War I to Germany and its allies, and required Germany to pay reparations.

8. What were Woodrow Wilsons 14 points?

President Woodrow Wilson’s 14 points were a proposal for post-war peace that called for open
diplomacy, freedom of the seas, the removal of economic barriers, and the reduction of armaments,
among others.

9. Purpose of the League of Nations

The League of Nations was created to provide a forum for resolving international disputes and preventing
future wars through collective security and diplomacy.

10. How were alliances a cause of WWI?

The complex network of alliances and treaties between various nations turned what could have been a
localized conflict into a full-scale world war, as countries were bound by these agreements to defend each
other.

11. What was the Armenian Genocide? Who caused it and why?

The Armenian Genocide was the systematic mass murder and expulsion of 1.5 million Armenians by the
Ottoman government during and just after World War I. It was caused by a combination of nationalist
fear that the Christian Armenians would support the Russians, and a desire to solidify Muslim Turkish
dominance in the Ottoman territories.

12. What is imperialism? How is it a cause of WWI?

As defined earlier, imperialism involves extending a nation’s power by acquiring territories. It was a
cause of WWI because the competition for colonies and the desire for greater empires created tension and
rivalry among the great powers.

13. Why were alliances created?

Alliances were created to provide mutual protection and to balance power among nations, intended to
deter aggression by creating powerful groupings that potential aggressors would hesitate to confront.

14. Why was the Triple Entente formed?

The Triple Entente between France, Russia, and the United Kingdom was formed to counter the perceived
threat from the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, thereby balancing power in
Europe.

15. What was the Schlieffen Plan? What was its goal?

The Schlieffen Plan was Germany’s military strategy for winning a two-front war against France and
Russia by quickly invading France through neutral Belgium before Russia could mobilize its forces.

16. What is a “total war?’

Total war is a conflict in which a country mobilizes all available resources and population towards the
war effort, blurring the lines between civilian and military resources.

17. What is rationing? What purpose does it have in times of war?

Rationing involves the controlled distribution of scarce resources, goods, or services. During war,
rationing ensures that vital supplies like food, fuel, and raw materials are available to the military and
essential industries.

18. How did the Western Front and Eastern Front affect Germany in its fight in the war?

Fighting on both the Western and Eastern Fronts stretched German military resources and manpower,
creating strategic and logistical challenges that ultimately contributed to Germany’s defeat.

19. What caused Russia to withdraw from WWI? What country did they sign a treaty with?

Russia withdrew from WWI due to internal revolution and the subsequent collapse of the Tsarist
government. They signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany in 1918.
20. Why did the Germans sink American ships?

German submarines (U-boats) sank American ships primarily to block the supply lines to the United
Kingdom and France, attempting to enforce their policy of unrestricted submarine warfare.

21. What was an armistice? When and why was an armistice signed?

An armistice is a formal agreement to stop fighting while peace terms are discussed. The armistice ending
World War I was signed on November 11, 1918, as Germany, severely weakened and facing internal
strife, sought to cease hostilities.

22. What was the League of Nations created for?

As stated earlier, the League of Nations was created to ensure lasting peace by providing a platform for
international cooperation and conflict resolution.

23. Why was the “Treaty of Versailles” called “peace built on quicksand?”

The Treaty of Versailles is often criticized as a "peace built on quicksand" because it imposed harsh
penalties and territorial losses on Germany, creating resentment and economic difficulties that eventually
contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the onset of World War II.

24. Why did the US refuse to join the League of Nations?

The U.S. Senate refused to join the League of Nations due to concerns over national sovereignty and the
fear of being dragged into future wars.

25. What were some of the problems that came out of the Treaty of Versailles?

The Treaty led to significant territorial changes and reparations that were economically crippling for
Germany. It also failed to reconcile or pacify the various national interests involved, thereby sowing the
seeds for World War II.
26. What is propaganda? What is its purpose?

Propaganda involves the spreading of information, ideas, or rumors to influence public opinion. Its
purpose in times of war is to bolster support for the war effort and to demonize the enemy.

27. Identify and explain MANIA

MANIA is an acronym for Militarism, Alliances, Nationalism, Imperialism, and Assassination,

summarizing the key causes of World War I. Each component contributed to the tensions and the eventual
outbreak of the war.