Question 1: Describe the MAIN causes of World War I and explain how each contributed to the outbreak of the war.

Answer: The MAIN causes are Militarism (arms race and military preparedness), Alliances (treaties creating complex alliances), Imperialism (competition for colonies and resources), and Nationalism (patriotism and ethnic tensions). These factors increased tensions and made conflict more likely once a crisis occurred.

Question 2: Explain the significance of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in 1914.

Answer: The assassination was the immediate trigger that led to the outbreak of war, as it prompted Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia. It also heightened tensions among European powers due to existing alliances, escalating the conflict.

Question 3: Identify and describe two new technological inventions used during WWI and discuss their impact on warfare.

Answer: One invention was the machine gun, which increased the lethality of battles and contributed to trench warfare. Another was the poison gas, which caused severe injuries and psychological effects, leading to changes in battlefield strategies.

Question 4: Describe the conditions faced by soldiers in the trenches during WWI.

Answer: Soldiers faced muddy, waterlogged trenches, exposure to rats and lice, constant threat of enemy attack, and psychological stress from bombardments and death around them.

Question 5: Draw a simple diagram of a typical trench system used during WWI, labeling its key features such as the front line, communication trenches, and support areas.

Answer: A correct sketch would show parallel trenches connected by communication trenches, with a front-line trench where soldiers fought, support trenches behind it, and a reserve area further back. Labels should include 'front line,' 'communication trench,' 'support trench,' and 'reserve.'

Question 6: Evaluate the impact of WWI on civilian society in Britain, focusing on changes in social roles and government policy.

Answer: WWI led to greater involvement of women in the workforce, challenging traditional gender roles. The government increased control over the economy and propaganda efforts, and the war effort fostered a sense of national unity but also caused social hardships.

Question 7: Explain the concept of 'total war' and how WWI exemplified this idea.

Answer: 'Total war' refers to a conflict where governments mobilize all resources and populations towards the war effort. WWI exemplified this through widespread conscription, use of propaganda, and economic control to support the military.

Question 8: Identify two major battles of WWI and discuss their significance in the course of the war.

Answer: The Battle of the Somme was significant for its scale and high casualties, symbolizing the brutality of trench warfare. The Battle of Verdun was one of the longest and costliest battles, representing the intense struggle for strategic control.

Question 9: Describe the Treaty of Versailles and outline its main terms. Discuss how it affected Germany after WWI.

Answer: The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, ending WWI. It imposed heavy reparations, territorial losses, disarmament, and the acceptance of blame on Germany. This led to economic hardship and political instability in Germany, contributing to the rise of extremism.

Question 10: Reflect on how WWI changed the map of Europe and contributed to future conflicts.

Answer: WWI led to the breakup of empires like Austro-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire, creating new countries and borders. These changes fostered ethnic tensions and instability, setting the stage for future conflicts such as WWII.