Question 1: Describe the main long-term causes of World War I, including at least two political, two economic, and two military factors.

Answer: Long-term causes included political alliances such as the Triple Entente and Triple Alliance; economic rivalries like competition for colonies; militarism and the arms race; nationalism fueling tensions; and disputes over territories in Europe.

Question 2: Explain the significance of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in triggering the outbreak of WWI. Include at least two consequences of this event.

Answer: The assassination of Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo led Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia, setting off a chain reaction among allied nations. Consequences included the mobilization of armies and the start of widespread conflict across Europe.

Question 3: Identify three new technologies or weapons used during WWI and explain how they changed warfare.

Answer: New technologies included machine guns, which increased battlefield casualties; tanks, which provided mobility and broke trench stalemates; and chemical gases, which caused widespread injuries and fear among soldiers.

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

Answer: Soldiers faced mud, cold, rats, lice, and disease. They endured constant threat of enemy fire, suffered from poor sanitation, and experienced psychological stress from prolonged exposure to danger.

Question 5: Draw a simple diagram illustrating the layout of a typical trench system used during WWI. Label the front line, support trench, and communication trench.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a zigzag front trench, connected to a support trench behind it, with a network of communication trenches linking to other parts of the system. Labels should clearly identify each section.

Question 6: Explain two reasons why the Battle of the Somme was significant in WWI.

Answer: It was one of the bloodiest battles, symbolising the brutal nature of trench warfare; and it demonstrated the limitations of new technology like tanks and artillery in breaking stalemates.

Question 7: Discuss the impact of WWI on civilian populations in Europe. Include two social or economic effects.

Answer: Civilian populations faced food shortages, blackouts, and destruction of homes. Economically, countries experienced inflation, increased government debt, and shifts in workforce due to men going to war.

Question 8: Identify and explain one way in which WWI changed the role of women in society.

Answer: Women took on roles traditionally held by men, working in factories and as nurses, which contributed to the push for women’s suffrage and greater societal equality after the war.

Question 9: Summarize the main terms of the Treaty of Versailles and their impact on Germany.

Answer: The Treaty imposed heavy reparations, reduced Germany’s military, lost territory, and placed sole blame for the war on Germany. These terms fostered resentment and economic hardship, contributing to the rise of extremism.

Question 10: Reflect on how WWI is remembered today and why it is called ‘The War to End All Wars’. Provide two reasons.

Answer: WWI is remembered through memorials and Remembrance Day ceremonies, emphasizing its human cost. It was called ‘The War to End All Wars’ because of the hope that such widespread destruction would prevent future conflicts, though this was not realized.