18 flashcards · Shared on 19 August 2026 by AtomAI Library
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What does militarism mean in explanations of the First World War?
The belief that strong armed forces and military solutions were essential to national power
What does militarism mean in explanations of the First World War?
The belief that strong armed forces and military solutions were essential to national power
How did the alliance system increase the danger of a European war?
It allowed a conflict between two states to draw in their allies
Which countries formed the Triple Alliance before the war?
Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy
Which powers made up the Triple Entente?
Britain, France and Russia
How did imperialism contribute to tension between the European powers?
It created rivalries over colonies, trade and international influence
What was a major effect of the Anglo-German naval arms race?
It strengthened British suspicion of Germany
Why is nationalism regarded as a long-term cause of the war?
It intensified national rivalries and separatist movements
Why were the Balkans described as the “powder keg of Europe”?
Competing national movements and great-power ambitions created repeated crises
Why did relations between Serbia and Austria-Hungary become especially tense?
Serbia supported South Slav nationalism that threatened Austria-Hungary's multinational empire
What was the significance of Austria-Hungary's annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908?
It increased resentment in Serbia and worsened Balkan tensions
Which event served as the immediate trigger for the First World War?
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand at Sarajevo
Who was Archduke Franz Ferdinand?
The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne
Who assassinated Franz Ferdinand on 28 June 1914?
Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist
What was Germany's “blank cheque” of July 1914?
A guarantee of strong German support for Austria-Hungary against Serbia
Why was Austria-Hungary's ultimatum to Serbia important in the July Crisis?
Its severe demands helped turn the assassination crisis into a military confrontation
How did Russian mobilization help widen the conflict?
Germany treated it as a major military threat and declared war on Russia
Why did Germany invade Belgium in August 1914?
To carry out a war plan for attacking France through Belgium
What directly prompted Britain to declare war on Germany on 4 August 1914?
Germany's invasion of neutral Belgium