Imperialism & WWI (1914-1918) Quiz Study Guide

Imperialism:
What is Social Darwinism?
A social theory in which Darwins ideas about evolution and
survival of the fittest were applied to society. The fittest
enjoyed wealth and success and believed they were superior
(usually the Europeans).
Which colony was the crown jewel of the British Empire?
India, was treasured by its potential, because of the Industrial
Revolution it became a major supplier of raw materials. Britain
sets up a railroad system to transport good faster which is very
beneficial to them.
Which African tribe won a major battle vs. the British?
The Zulus led by Shaka Zulu
Which European nations fought the Boer War?
Between Britain and the Boers (Dutch settlers who gradually
took Africans land and established large farms)
Which country was forcibly opened to the West in 1853?
Japan. Commodore Matthew Perry took four ships and
threatened the Japanese
th
What kind of a city was Edo (Tokyo) in the 18
century?

Edo was the largest city in the world with over 1 million people.
It was also very clean and safe. About 500 bookstores.
What revolution inspired the wealth and stability in Western
th
Europe during the 19
century?

The Industrial Revolution

 What was the name of the king who instituted the system of
slave labor in the Congo that cost ten million lives in the late
th
th
19
-early 20
century?

King Leopold II
What Western European nation did this king rule?
Belgium
Which trade product caused war between Britain and China in
th
the mid 19
Century?

Opium. Britain wanted to trade with China who was very

self-sufficient so they traded Opium (illegally) which caused the
conflict since a lot of people were addicted.
WWI:
What event sparked WWI?
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Heir to the
Austro-Hungarian throne.
Germany invaded Belgium
What does MAIN stand for?
Militarism: improve it
Alliance: triple entente and triple alliance
Imperialism: countries wanted colonies
Nationalism: national independence, preserve culture
What battle marked the end of Germanys advance toward
Paris in 1914?
Battle of the Marne.
Which two battles in 1916 accounted for two million
casualties?
The battle verdun and somme.

 Why did men enthusiastically volunteer to join the army in

1914?
They thought it was cool, return as veterans and heroes,
women, fame, wealth, it was like an adventure, didnt know how
bad war was, nationalism. Propaganda also encouraged them. It
was a patriotic thing.
Which countries comprised the Triple Entente?
Britain, France and Russia
Which countries comprised the Triple Alliance?
Germany, Italy and Austria-Hungary
Why was life in the trenches so horrible for the soldiers of
WWI?
It was like suicide, they just stayed in the trenches hoping they
wouldnt die. They constantly heard artillery shells whistle by
which later gave them shell shock. No place to sleep, suffered
from diseases and were very vulnerable and constantly attacked.
How did the combat behavior of WWI pilots differ from that of
soldiers on the ground?
They were romanticised. Many wanted to join but very few were
accepted. Very cool to fly, much better than being in the
trenches. They lived well, were famous, but few survived. Also
conserved the chivalry of being a gentleman
What were four conditions of the Treaty of Versailles?
War guilt clause (accept blame for starting WWI)
Germanys military forces reduced (army restricted, no modern
weapons, not too many battleships or U-boats)
Rhineland to be demilitarized
German national territory (lost 13% which was given to Belgium,
Denmark, France and mainly Poland)

 German overseas territory (lost chinese ports, pacific islands,

african colonies)
Reparations (Germany forced to pay massive fine 1 billion
marks, 6.6 billion pounds)
No union with Austria
Name three weapons that were new during WWI and have
since become common in modern warfare.
Rifles
Pistols
Machine guns
Flamethrowers
Poison gas
What was the Schlieffen Plan?
Created by General Count Alfred von Schlieffen in 1905. Attack
France while Russias army was near Germany. Germans wanted
to surprise-attack France by going from the north through
Belgium and thus conquering Paris. Then send all troops to
Russia. Did not work but almost. Belgium = neutral.
What were the two major events of WWI that took place in
1917?
US joined the war (triple entente) (April 6)
Russian Revolution cause Russia to retreat so Germany moved
more troops from Eastern Front to Western Front (before US
troops arrive). Bolsheviks gained power, communism.
Britain captured Jerusalem, ended Ottoman rule.
Which victorious nation disagreed with the terms of the Treaty
of Versailles (1918, 1919)?
Germany to become so disillusioned with their government that
they turned to communism. Woodrow Wilson of America was

stunned by the savagery, he believed that Germany should be

punished but in a way that would lead to European reconciliation
as opposed to revenge. Created the 14 point-plan and wanted
League of Nations.
David Lloyd George of Great Britain privately felt that Germany
should be treated in such a way that left her as a barrier to
resist the expected spread of communism. He did not want the
people of
Georges Clemenceau of France (AKA "The Tiger") believed
that Germany should be brought to its knees so that she
could never start a war again.
Approximately how many people died in total during WWI?
About 20 million people.
What event caused Britain to declare war on Germany in 1914?
Britain decided to join the war after the Schlieffen Plan failed
since it had signed a treaty promising to help protect Belgium if
it were attacked.
What weapon was developed during WWI but wasnt effective
until WWII?
Tanks
What weapon developed during WWI was largely abandoned
after the war due to its horrible effects?
Chlorine and mustard gas. It blinded or killed people. Mustard
gas was odorless and colorless.
Why was Germany late in becoming an imperial power?
Industrial revolution happened in England a slot earlier than
Germany.
What outcome of the Franco-Prussian War angered France
greatly?

 France suffered a humiliating defeat from the German state

Prussia and had to hand over the fertile provinces of Alsace and
Lorraine.
Why were Britain and Germany great rivals by the start of
WWI?
Britain had many colonies and the best navy (to protect
colonies). Germany believed that it deserved the same and
started to improve their military and navy, sort of copying the
British. Britain was alarmed
When did Italy become a nation?
March 17, 1861 Italy becomes a unified nation (1st time since
Roman Empire). Mussolini