Year 8 - H&G Notes - 10.4.14

Thai Sikh International School

Year 8, History Notes [World War I. Causes and Effects]

   1.      When did the First World War begin? Which countries were on opposing sides?

The First World War began as a local European war between Austria-Hungary and Serbia on July 28, 1914. The military conflict lasted from 1914-1918. It became a global war involving 32 nations. Twenty eight of these nations, known as allies including Britain, France, Russia, Italy and United States opposed the central powers, consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire (now Turkey) and Bulgaria.

   2.      What was the immediate cause of the war?

The immediate cause of the world war between Austria-Hungary and Serbia was the assassination of Archduke, Francis Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne, by a Serbian nationalist named Gavrilo Princip, on July 28, 1914. Against this incident Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.

   3.      What was the underlying cause of the World War I?

The underlying cause of the World War I was the spirit of nationalism that entered Europe throughout the 19^th and into the 20^th century. The French revolution spread Europe  the idea that same people of the country had the right to independent state. Italy was divided into many independent parts and some were under foreign rule. Belgium was under Dutch rule. The spirit of nationalism later led to the unification of Italy and Germany. Strong nationalistic movement called’ Panslavism’ in Serbia was another event preceded the war.

  4.      How did military expansion pave the way for a world war?

Between 1871 and 1914, the imperialist countries, like Britain France and Italy, adopted foreign policies that increased danger of war. So they maintained large standing armies and steadily increased naval powers which became competitive.. The war between Japan and Russia encouraged them to increase their naval power. Britain accordingly developed dreadnought battleship, notable for heavy armament. These countries also sought alliances with other powers. The grouping of the European powers into two hostile military alliances increased the chances for generalized war.

   5.      How did USA join the war?

On February 1, 1917, Germany announced that it would resort to submarine warfare against Britain. Germany’s move was opposed by USA. On February3, US broke diplomatic relations with Germany and on April6, US declared war on Germany

6.      How did First World War end?

In the early part of 1918, onMarch3, Russia signed the treaty of Brest-Litovsk which put an end to the war between them and the central powers. On May 7, Romania made peace with the central powers. By early November, Germans were in rapid retreat and German

Fleets were almost destroyed. In Germany William II, abdicated and fled to Netherlands. Germany was proclaimed a republic. On November 11, 5am, treaty was signed between Germany and allies and the World War ended.

Objective type Questions.

1.      Where did the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand take place?

At Serajivo in Bosnia. (part of Austria-Hungary.)

2.      When did the unification of Italy and Germany accomplish?

Italy –In 1861 and Germany – In 1871.

3.      Name the battleship developed by Britain before the First World War.

Dreadnought battleship.

4.      When did USA join the war?

April6, 1917.

5.      Who attempted to bring about negotiations between the nations involved in the First World War?

American president ,Woodrow Wilson.

6.      Name the treaty that signed by Russia in March3, 1918 to the end the war?

Treaty of Brest-litovsk.

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