Imperialism and World War 1 Unit Test
1. What is imperialism and how did it contribute to the causes of World War 1?
- Imperialism is the policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force. It contributed to the causes of World War 1 by creating competition among European powers for colonies and resources, leading to heightened tensions and rivalries.
2. How did the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary lead to World War 1?
- The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian nationalist group was the catalyst for the outbreak of World War 1. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, leading to a chain reaction of alliances being activated and ultimately resulting in a world war.
3. What were the main alliances in World War 1 and how did they affect the conflict?
- The main alliances in World War 1 were the Triple Entente (comprised of France, Russia, and Britain) and the Triple Alliance (comprised of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy). These alliances divided Europe into two opposing sides, with countries pledging to defend each other in case of attack. This led to a domino effect of countries being drawn into the conflict as they honored their alliances.
4. How did new military technologies contribute to the brutality of World War 1?
- New military technologies such as machine guns, tanks, and poison gas were used extensively during World War 1, leading to unprecedented levels of destruction and casualties. These weapons made warfare more deadly and prolonged, contributing to the brutality of the conflict.
5. How did the Treaty of Versailles impact the post-war world?
- The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War 1, imposed heavy reparations on Germany and blamed it for the war, leading to economic hardship and resentment within the country. Additionally, the treaty redrew the map of Europe and created new nations, setting the stage for future conflicts and dissatisfaction among various ethnic groups.
6. In what ways did World War 1 change the global power structure?
- World War 1 marked the decline of traditional European powers such as Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia, while elevating new global powers such as the United States and Japan. The war also weakened the colonial empires of European nations, leading to a shift in the global power structure.