Causes of WWI, Alliances, and the July Crisis (Chs 0–2)

Notes

WORLD WAR I What You Actually Need to Know for Exam Questions Year 11 Modern History Study Guide HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE Do not try to memorise every detail. For each topic, learn: (1) the key events/dates, (2) why they mattered, (3) 2–4 pieces of evidence, and (4) the argument you would make if the question asked you to judge significance, responsibility or causes. If the question is about... You should immediately think... Causes of WWI Alliances + imperialism + militarism/Weltpolitik + nationalism/Balkans + July Crisis Who caused WWI? Germany and Austria-Hungary are central, but compare Serbia, Russia, France and Britain; distinguish long-term conditions from immediate decisions Why stalemate developed Failure of Schlieffen Plan + Belgian/BEF resistance + Russian mobilisation + Marne + defensive technology Total War Government control of industry + manpower + information: Ministry of Munitions, conscription, censorship, propaganda Significance of a battle/event What changed because of it? Short-term + long-term + military/political/social impact Source question Message + evidence + origin/purpose + context + limitation + judgement Aftermath Versailles + collapse of empires + new b...