Which empires made up the Central Powers?
The German Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Ottoman Empire.
When was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne assassinated in Sarajevo?
On 28 June 1914.
What event triggered a generalized conflict involving most European powers in 1914?
The assassination of the Austro-Hungarian heir in Sarajevo.
What caused the First World War according to linked alliances?
Systems of alliances became linked together leading to war.
What was the Sacred Union in political terms?
A government supported by all political parties of the same country.
When did France launch mobilization in 1914?
On 2 August 1914.
When did Germany declare war on France in 1914?
On 3 August 1914.
Which countries opposed each other on the eastern front in WWI?
Germany and the Russian Empire opposed each other on the eastern front.
Which countries opposed each other on the western front in WWI?
France and Germany opposed each other on the western front.
What were the three phases of WWI?
Movement war until 1915, trench warfare until 1917, then movement warfare until 1918.
What is No man's land in WWI?
The zone located between the two enemy armies.
What was the first line in a WWI trench system?
The line closest to the front.
What was the purpose of the second line in a WWI trench system?
To allow soldiers to reach the first line.
What was the third line in a WWI trench system used for?
It was farthest from the front and used for rest.
Why was the First World War called an industrial war?
Because new weapons like heavy artillery, flamethrowers, cannons, and poison gas were developed.
When did the Battle of Verdun take place?
From 21 February to 19 December 1916.
How long did the Battle of Verdun last?
300 days.
How many soldiers were involved in the Battle of Verdun?
700,000 soldiers.
How many shells were fired on the first day at Verdun?
2 million shells.
How many shells were fired during the entire Battle of Verdun?
30 million shells.
How many French soldiers were killed or disappeared at Verdun?
275,000 French soldiers.
How many German soldiers were killed or disappeared at Verdun?
240,000 German soldiers.
What uniform did French poilus wear at the war's start?
Red trousers, a blue jacket, and a blue kepi.
What uniform replaced the original French poilus attire?
Horizon-blue uniforms.
In which year did soldiers face the most formidable weapons causing mutinies?
1917.
How did General Pétain end the 1917 mutinies?
By sanctioning soldiers and shooting many as examples.
Which groups reinforced French troops during the war?
Senegalese and Algerian workers.
What types of violence did soldiers experience during the war?
Physical, moral, and psychological violence.
What caused moral violence for soldiers in the war?
Separation from their families.
What caused psychological violence for soldiers in the war?
Fear of death, constant noise, and exposure to corpses.
Why did civilians suffer food shortages during total war?
Occupying forces requisitioned large quantities of food and rationing constrained daily life.
How were civilians affected during movement warfare?
Populations in combat zones were evacuated, women suffered violence, and some were deported.
From August 1914, what roles did women take in economic life?
Women replaced mobilized men by working in fields and armaments factories as Munitionnettes.
Who were the Angels Blancs during the war?
Volunteers who went to the front and became nurses.
How did war godmothers support soldiers?
They supported soldiers' morale through correspondence.
How did governments maintain morale during total war?
Through propaganda, censorship of demoralizing news, and appeals for national unity.
What characterized the war economy during total war?
It redirected resources to the war effort, used science for weapons, and relied on massive loans.
What did the French Senate decide about women's voting rights in 1924?
It refused to grant women the right to vote despite their wartime mobilization.
Test your knowledge with 16 questions on The First World War.
1. Which states formed the Central Powers during the First World War?
2. Which event on 28 June 1914 triggered a generalized conflict involving most European powers?
Review the complete course in the study sheet for The First World War.
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