WWI Overview for AP Euro Students

Russian Revolution (1917)

• to Russia’s withdrawal from WWI

• to the establishment of a monarchy

• to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles

• to the rise of the Bolsheviks

Economic effects of WWI

• debt, inflation, economic instability in Europe

• economic growth in Europe

• increased trade with Asia

• reduction in unemployment rates

Schlieffen Plan

• strategy to avoid two-front war

• a military tactic for naval dominance

• a plan for economic sanctions

• a diplomatic approach to peace negotiations

Nationalism’s role in WWI

• A sense of unity among nations

• Competition and conflict among nations

• Promotion of peace and cooperation

• Isolationism and neutrality

Long-term causes vs. immediate causes

• alliances, imperialism, nationalism

• economic depression, trade disputes, territorial conflicts

• civil rights movements, social reforms, technological advancements

• assassination of Franz Ferdinand

Militarism

• of building strong armed forces

• of promoting peace and diplomacy

• of reducing military expenditure

• of engaging in international trade

League of Nations’ effectiveness

• enforcement, failed to prevent future conflicts

• successfully maintained peace in Europe

• established strong military alliances

• promoted global economic stability

Impact of new technology

• guns, gas, tanks increased casualties

• improved communication and logistics

• enhanced medical treatment

• reduced need for soldiers on the battlefield

Collapse of empires

• Ottoman, Russian empires dissolved post-WWI

• British Empire expanded significantly after WWI

• French Empire gained territories after WWI

• German Empire was established after WWI

Trench warfare

• fighting style on Western Front

• a type of naval combat

• a strategy used in air warfare

• a method of guerrilla tactics