AP World History Modern Flashcards: Causes Of World War I

What this deck covers

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

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 was the significance of the Anglo-Russian Entente of 1907?

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

Flashcard 2: Which country was primarily responsible for the Schlieffen Plan?

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

Flashcard 3: Name the German leader during the onset of WWI.

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

Flashcard 4: Name the German leader during the onset of WWI.

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

Flashcard 5: What was the outcome of the Second Balkan War (1913)?

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

Flashcard 6: Which region was known as the 'powder keg of Europe'?

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

Flashcard 7: What was the significance of the First Balkan War (1912-1913)?

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

Flashcard 8: Which region was known as the 'powder keg of Europe'?

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

Flashcard 9: Which concept describes the belief in the inevitability of war?

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

Flashcard 10: Identify the term for intense national pride and desire for independence.

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

Flashcard 11: What was the significance of the First Balkan War (1912-1913)?

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

Flashcard 12: What was the main consequence of the Moroccan Crises (1905, 1911)?

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

Flashcard 13: What was the outcome of the Second Balkan War (1913)?

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

Flashcard 14: Which empire supported Serbia against Austria-Hungary?

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

Flashcard 15: Which country's neutrality was violated, prompting Britain to enter WWI?

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

Flashcard 16: Which empire supported Serbia against Austria-Hungary?

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

Flashcard 17: Which two countries were directly involved in the Bosnian Crisis of 1908?

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

Flashcard 18: Which nation was known for its policy of 'splendid isolation'?

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

Flashcard 19: Which concept involves glorification and preparedness for war?

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

Flashcard 20: Which empire's territories were mainly fought over in the Balkans?

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

Flashcard 21: What was the main goal of the Schlieffen Plan?

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

Flashcard 22: What was the role of secret treaties in the lead-up to WWI?

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

Flashcard 23: What was the main reason for the naval arms race between Germany and Britain?

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

Flashcard 24: Identify the alliance formed by France, Russia, and Great Britain before WWI.

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

Flashcard 25: What was the impact of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand?

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

Flashcard 26: What was the significance of the Anglo-Russian Entente of 1907?

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

Flashcard 27: What was the main consequence of the Moroccan Crises (1905, 1911)?

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

Flashcard 28: What was the main reason for the formation of the Triple Entente?

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

Flashcard 29: What is nationalism and how did it contribute to WWI?

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

Flashcard 30: What role did imperialism play in causing WWI?

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

Flashcard 31: What event is considered the immediate trigger of World War I?

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

Flashcard 32: What was the primary purpose of alliances before WWI?

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

Flashcard 33: What was the role of secret treaties in the lead-up to WWI?

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

Flashcard 34: Which nation's unification in 1871 contributed to European tensions?

Answer: Germany. German unification disrupted the European balance of power.

Flashcard 35: What was the significance of the July Crisis in 1914?

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

Flashcard 36: What was the impact of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand?

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

Flashcard 37: What was the primary purpose of alliances before WWI?

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

Flashcard 38: Which event marked the start of the July Crisis in 1914?

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

Flashcard 39: What was the main reason for the formation of the Triple Entente?

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

Flashcard 40: Which concept involves glorification and preparedness for war?

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

Flashcard 41: What was the main reason for the naval arms race between Germany and Britain?

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

Flashcard 42: What is militarism and how did it contribute to WWI?

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

Flashcard 43: Which country was Austria-Hungary's main ally at the start of WWI?

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

Flashcard 44: What was the primary cause of the rivalry between France and Germany?

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

Flashcard 45: Identify the alliance formed by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy before WWI.

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

Flashcard 46: Which nation's unification in 1871 contributed to European tensions?

Answer: Germany. German unification disrupted the European balance of power.

Flashcard 47: What role did the arms race play in the lead-up to WWI?

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

Flashcard 48: Identify the term for competitive buildup of armed forces prior to WWI.

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

Flashcard 49: Which country was primarily responsible for the Schlieffen Plan?

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

Flashcard 50: What was the main goal of the Schlieffen Plan?

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

Flashcard 51: Which nation was the first to declare war in WWI?

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

Flashcard 52: Which concept describes the belief in the inevitability of war?

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

Flashcard 53: Identify the main reason for Austria-Hungary's annexation of Bosnia in 1908.

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

Flashcard 54: Identify the alliance formed by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy before WWI.

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

Flashcard 55: What was the primary aim of Germany's Weltpolitik?

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

Flashcard 56: What role did imperialism play in causing WWI?

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

Flashcard 57: Which empire's decline contributed to tensions leading to WWI?

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

Flashcard 58: Which nation was known for its policy of 'splendid isolation'?

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

Flashcard 59: What role did the arms race play in the lead-up to WWI?

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

Flashcard 60: Which empire's decline contributed to tensions leading to WWI?

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

Flashcard 61: What was the significance of the July Crisis in 1914?

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

Flashcard 62: Identify the alliance formed by France, Russia, and Great Britain before WWI.

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

Flashcard 63: What was the significance of the Entente Cordiale of 1904?

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

Flashcard 64: Which two countries were directly involved in the Bosnian Crisis of 1908?

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

Flashcard 65: What was the significance of the Entente Cordiale of 1904?

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