Causes of World War I - AP World History

1. What was the significance of the Anglo-Russian Entente of 1907?

   It resolved colonial disputes and strengthened the Triple Entente. This completed the Triple Entente by resolving Anglo-Russian disputes.

2. Name the German leader during the onset of WWI.

   Kaiser Wilhelm II. His aggressive foreign policy and naval buildup challenged British dominance.

3. What was the outcome of the Second Balkan War (1913)?

   Bulgaria was defeated and lost territory. Bulgaria's defeat shifted Balkan power and increased regional tensions.

4. What was the significance of the First Balkan War (1912-1913)?

   It weakened the Ottoman Empire and increased tensions. Regional conflicts destabilized the balance of power in Europe.

5. Which region was known as the 'powder keg of Europe'?

   The Balkans. Ethnic tensions and great power competition made this region explosive.

6. Which concept describes the belief in the inevitability of war?

   Fatalism. Many Europeans believed war was destined and ultimately beneficial.

7. Identify the term for intense national pride and desire for independence.

   Nationalism. Extreme patriotism drove ethnic groups to seek independence or unity.

8. Which empire supported Serbia against Austria-Hungary?

   Russia. Pan-Slavism motivated Russian protection of Slavic Serbia.

9. Which country's neutrality was violated, prompting Britain to enter WWI?

   Belgium. The Schlieffen Plan's violation of Belgian neutrality triggered British entry.

10. Which empire's territories were mainly fought over in the Balkans?

    The Ottoman Empire. Balkan wars were fought over former Ottoman territories and influence.

11. What was the role of secret treaties in the lead-up to WWI?

    They created mistrust and complicated alliances. Hidden agreements created unpredictable obligations and suspicions.

12. What was the main reason for the naval arms race between Germany and Britain?

    To achieve naval superiority. Germany challenged Britain's naval dominance with its fleet expansion.

13. What was the main consequence of the Moroccan Crises (1905, 1911)?

    Increased tensions between Germany and the Entente. These crises over Morocco heightened Franco-German rivalry.

14. What was the main reason for the formation of the Triple Entente?

    To counterbalance the power of the Triple Alliance. France, Russia, and Britain united to contain German expansion.

15. What is nationalism and how did it contribute to WWI?

    Nationalism is intense patriotic sentiment; it fueled rivalries. Ethnic groups sought independence, creating instability in multi-ethnic empires.

16. What role did imperialism play in causing WWI?

    It led to competition for colonies and global dominance. Colonial rivalries, especially in Africa, increased European tensions.

17. What event is considered the immediate trigger of World War I?

    The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This event in Sarajevo triggered the July Crisis and alliance system activation.

18. What was the primary purpose of alliances before WWI?

    To provide mutual defense and deter aggression. These agreements created rigid commitments that escalated local conflicts.

19. Which nation's unification in 1871 contributed to European tensions?

    Germany. German unification disrupted the European balance of power.

20. What was the impact of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand?

    It led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia. Austria-Hungary's ultimatum and declaration triggered the alliance system.

21. Which event marked the start of the July Crisis in 1914?

    The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Franz Ferdinand's death in Sarajevo began the diplomatic crisis.

22. Which concept involves glorification and preparedness for war?

    Militarism. Military culture and arms races normalized warfare as policy solution.

23. What is militarism and how did it contribute to WWI?

    Militarism is the buildup of military forces; it heightened tensions. Arms races and military glorification created a war-ready atmosphere.

24. Which country was Austria-Hungary's main ally at the start of WWI?

    Germany. The Central Powers alliance provided mutual support against enemies.

25. What was the primary cause of the rivalry between France and Germany?

    The Franco-Prussian War and the loss of Alsace-Lorraine. France sought revenge for its 1870 defeat and territorial loss.

26. What role did the arms race play in the lead-up to WWI?

    It increased tensions and competition among nations. Military buildup created fear and suspicion between rival nations.

27. Identify the term for competitive buildup of armed forces prior to WWI.

    Arms race. Nations competed to build larger armies and more advanced weapons.

28. Which country was primarily responsible for the Schlieffen Plan?

    Germany. Germany developed this strategy to avoid fighting on two fronts.

29. What was the main goal of the Schlieffen Plan?

    To quickly defeat France and then move against Russia. Germany's strategy to avoid fighting a two-front war simultaneously.

30. Which nation was the first to declare war in WWI?

    Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. This declaration activated the alliance system and started the war.

31. Identify the main reason for Austria-Hungary's annexation of Bosnia in 1908.

    To assert dominance in the Balkans. Austria-Hungary sought to control Slavic nationalism and expand influence.

32. Identify the alliance formed by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy before WWI.

    The Triple Alliance. This defensive alliance countered French-Russian cooperation before 1914.

33. What was the primary aim of Germany's Weltpolitik?

    To gain global influence and power. Germany's bid for world power status challenged established empires.

34. Which empire's decline contributed to tensions leading to WWI?

    The Ottoman Empire. The 'sick man of Europe' created power vacuums and nationalist tensions.

35. Which nation was known for its policy of 'splendid isolation'?

    Great Britain. Britain avoided European entanglements until German threats emerged.

36. What was the significance of the July Crisis in 1914?

    It was a series of diplomatic events that led to WWI. The assassination response escalated into a continental war through alliances.

37. Identify the alliance formed by France, Russia, and Great Britain before WWI.

    The Triple Entente. This informal alliance system balanced German power in Europe.

38. What was the significance of the Entente Cordiale of 1904?

    It improved relations between France and Britain. This agreement ended centuries of Anglo-French colonial rivalry.

39. Which two countries were directly involved in the Bosnian Crisis of 1908?

    Austria-Hungary and Serbia. Austria-Hungary's annexation angered Serbia and Russia in 1908.

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