AP European History Flashcards: World War I

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on World War I, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP European History.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is the term for the complete mobilization of national resources for war?

Answer: Total war. Entire societies devoted all resources to the war effort.

Flashcard 2: Which countries formed the Triple Entente in World War I?

Answer: France, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Allied powers that opposed the Central Powers in WWI.

Flashcard 3: Which treaty ended Russia's participation in World War I?

Answer: Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. Separate peace allowed Russia to exit the war early.

Flashcard 4: Which 1917 event significantly altered the course of World War I?

Answer: The United States entered the war. Fresh American troops tipped the balance toward Allied victory.

Flashcard 5: What weapon was responsible for most casualties in WWI?

Answer: Artillery. Heavy guns caused most deaths through explosive shells.

Flashcard 6: Which treaty officially ended World War I?

Answer: Treaty of Versailles. Imposed harsh terms on Germany and reshaped Europe.

Flashcard 7: Name the German military leader known for the Ludendorff Offensive.

Answer: Erich Ludendorff. Led Germany's final major offensive in spring 1918.

Flashcard 8: What year did World War I end?

Answer:

1. Armistice signed on November 11 ended the fighting.

Flashcard 9: Which country switched sides from the Central Powers to the Allies in WWI?

Answer: Italy. Left Triple Alliance to join Allies in 1915.

Flashcard 10: Identify the region referred to as the 'powder keg of Europe' before WWI.

Answer: The Balkans. Ethnic tensions and nationalism made war likely to start there.

Flashcard 11: What was the primary chemical weapon used in World War I?

Answer: Mustard gas. Caused severe burns and respiratory damage to soldiers.

Flashcard 12: What was the significance of the Battle of the Marne in 1914?

Answer: It stopped the German advance into France. Ended German hopes for quick victory and led to trench warfare.

Flashcard 13: Which principle guided the redrawing of European borders post-WWI?

Answer: Self-determination. Nations should govern themselves based on ethnicity/culture.

Flashcard 14: Which 1917 revolution led to Russia's withdrawal from WWI?

Answer: The Bolshevik Revolution. Lenin's takeover led to Russia signing a separate peace.

Flashcard 15: What was the main goal of President Wilson's Fourteen Points?

Answer: To establish a framework for a lasting peace. Wilson's blueprint for post-war international cooperation.

Flashcard 16: Which treaty officially ended World War I?

Answer: Treaty of Versailles. Imposed harsh terms on Germany and reshaped Europe.

Flashcard 17: What was the primary purpose of propaganda during WWI?

Answer: To maintain public support for the war effort. Governments used media to boost morale and demonize enemies.

Flashcard 18: What was the main role of tanks introduced in World War I?

Answer: To break through enemy trench lines. New weapon designed to overcome trench warfare stalemate.

Flashcard 19: Which principle guided the redrawing of European borders post-WWI?

Answer: Self-determination. Nations should govern themselves based on ethnicity/culture.

Flashcard 20: Who was the German Emperor during World War I?

Answer: Kaiser Wilhelm II. Abdicated in 1918 as Germany faced military defeat.

Flashcard 21: What was the primary purpose of the Schlieffen Plan?

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

Flashcard 22: Which battle is considered one of the deadliest in World War I?

Answer: Battle of the Somme. Resulted in over one million casualties in five months.

Flashcard 23: What was the primary role of women in WWI?

Answer: They worked in factories and served as nurses. Replaced men in workforce while providing medical care.

Flashcard 24: Name the international organization founded after World War I to maintain peace.

Answer: League of Nations. Wilson's vision for preventing future global conflicts.

Flashcard 25: Identify the 1916 battle that lasted 10 months and was the longest of WWI.

Answer: Battle of Verdun. Symbol of French determination and massive human cost.

Flashcard 26: What was the main goal of President Wilson's Fourteen Points?

Answer: To establish a framework for a lasting peace. Wilson's blueprint for post-war international cooperation.

Flashcard 27: What was the main economic consequence of WWI for European powers?

Answer: Massive debt and economic instability. War costs devastated European economies for decades.

Flashcard 28: What was the primary objective of the Gallipoli Campaign?

Answer: To secure a sea route to Russia. Failed Allied attempt to reach Constantinople.

Flashcard 29: Name the international organization founded after World War I to maintain peace.

Answer: League of Nations. Wilson's vision for preventing future global conflicts.

Flashcard 30: What was the Zimmerman Telegram?

Answer: A secret German proposal to Mexico to join the war against the U.S. Interception of this message helped bring U.S. into war.

Flashcard 31: What was Germany required to pay as part of the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer: Reparations. Financial compensation for war damages imposed on Germany.

Flashcard 32: What was the significance of the Armistice of 11 November 1918?

Answer: It marked the end of fighting in WWI. Ceasefire agreement that stopped combat at 11 AM.

Flashcard 33: Name the British passenger liner sunk by a German U-Boat in 1915.

Answer: Lusitania. Its sinking helped turn American opinion against Germany.

Flashcard 34: Identify the naval battle that confirmed British naval supremacy in WWI.

Answer: Battle of Jutland. Large naval engagement that maintained British control of seas.

Flashcard 35: What type of warfare was introduced during World War I involving aircraft?

Answer: Aerial combat and reconnaissance. Aircraft revolutionized intelligence gathering and combat.

Flashcard 36: What was the main consequence of World War I for Germany?

Answer: Severe economic and political instability. War defeat led to revolution and harsh peace terms.

Flashcard 37: Which British military campaign in WWI was a major failure?

Answer: Gallipoli Campaign. Failed attempt to open new front against Ottoman Empire.

Flashcard 38: Which empire collapsed as a result of WWI?

Answer: Austro-Hungarian Empire. Multi-ethnic empire fragmented into new nation-states.

Flashcard 39: Which peace conference outlined the terms of the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer: Paris Peace Conference. Allied leaders met to reshape post-war Europe.

Flashcard 40: What event is widely considered the immediate cause of World War I?

Answer: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The spark that ignited the complex web of European alliances.

Flashcard 41: What weapon was responsible for most casualties in WWI?

Answer: Artillery. Heavy guns caused most deaths through explosive shells.

Flashcard 42: What year did World War I begin?

Answer:

1. War began following the assassination in Sarajevo.

Flashcard 43: What did the term 'No Man's Land' refer to in World War I?

Answer: The area between opposing trenches. Deadly zone between opposing trench systems.