APEURO: Unit 8, 20th-Century Global Conflicts - World War I, Trench Warfare, Technology, Home Front, Russian Revolution

Why This Matters

World War I (1914-1918) was a pivotal event in modern history that had far-reaching consequences for the world. It marked a turning point in the development of modern warfare, with the introduction of trench warfare, new technologies, and the rise of total war. The conflict also led to the Russian Revolution, which had a profound impact on the course of the 20th century. Understanding World War I is essential for grasping the complexities of modern politics, power, and global relations, as well as the ongoing legacies of imperialism, nationalism, and social change.

Key Events & People

• Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (1914): The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne was killed in Sarajevo, sparking a chain reaction of events that led to the outbreak of World War I.
• Battle of the Somme (1916): A brutal and costly battle fought between British and French forces and the German army, which showcased the horrors of trench warfare.
• Russian Revolution (1917): A revolution led by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks overthrew the Russian monarchy and established the world's first socialist state.
• Treaty of Versailles (1919): The treaty that ended World War I, imposing harsh penalties on Germany and contributing to widespread resentment and a desire for revenge.
• Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921): The 28th President of the United States, who played a key role in shaping the Treaty of Versailles and advocating for the League of Nations.
• Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961): An American author who served as an ambulance driver in World War I and wrote about the experiences of soldiers in his novel "A Farewell to Arms."
• Wilfred Owen (1893-1918): A British poet who wrote about the horrors of trench warfare and was killed in action just one week before the Armistice.
• Lenin (1870-1924): The Russian revolutionary leader who played a key role in the Russian Revolution and established the Soviet Union.
• Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859-1941): The last German Emperor, who was forced to abdicate in 1918 and went into exile.
• Georges Clemenceau (1841-1929): A French statesman who played a key role in shaping the Treaty of Versailles and was a key figure in the Paris Peace Conference.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
• Effect: The outbreak of World War I

• Long-term consequence: The rise of fascist and nationalist movements in the 1920s and 1930s

• Cause: The introduction of trench warfare

• Effect: The stalemate and massive casualties of World War I

• Long-term consequence: The development of new military technologies and strategies in the interwar period

• Cause: The Russian Revolution

• Effect: The establishment of the Soviet Union and the rise of communism
• Long-term consequence: The Cold War and the division of Europe

Essential Vocabulary

• *Total War*: A type of warfare that involves the mobilization of an entire nation's resources and population, often resulting in widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
• *Trench Warfare*: A type of warfare that involves the use of trenches and other fortifications to protect soldiers from enemy fire.
• *Imperialism*: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization or other means.
• *Nationalism*: A political ideology that emphasizes the importance of national identity and interests.
• *Socialism*: An economic and political ideology that advocates for the collective ownership of the means of production and the distribution of goods and services.
• *Bolsheviks*: A revolutionary party that played a key role in the Russian Revolution and established the Soviet Union.
• *Versailles Treaty*: The treaty that ended World War I and imposed harsh penalties on Germany.
• *League of Nations*: An international organization established after World War I to promote peace and security.
• *War Guilt Clause*: A provision of the Versailles Treaty that held Germany responsible for the outbreak of World War I.
• *Red Scare*: A period of anti-communist hysteria in the United States in the 1910s and 1920s.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1918.
• Correction: The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919.

• Memory trick: Remember that the Treaty of Versailles was signed in the year after the Armistice.

• What students often get wrong: The Russian Revolution was led by the Mensheviks.

• Correction: The Russian Revolution was led by the Bolsheviks.

• Memory trick: Remember that the Bolsheviks were the party that established the Soviet Union.

• What students often get wrong: The United States entered World War I in 1915.

• Correction: The United States entered World War I in 1917.
• Memory trick: Remember that the United States declared war on Germany in April 1917.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Essay Prompt: Analyze the impact of World War I on the Russian Revolution. Be sure to discuss the role of the war in weakening the Russian monarchy and creating an opportunity for revolution.
• Evidence: Cite the writings of Lenin, the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, and the February Revolution.
• Essay Prompt: Evaluate the effectiveness of the Treaty of Versailles in preventing future wars. Be sure to discuss the treaty's provisions and the reactions of the major powers.
• Evidence: Cite the War Guilt Clause, the reparations imposed on Germany, and the reactions of the German people.
• Essay Prompt: Discuss the role of technology in World War I. Be sure to analyze the impact of new technologies on the conduct of the war and the experience of soldiers.
• Evidence: Cite the development of tanks, airplanes, and poison gas, as well as the writings of soldiers and historians.

Quick Self-Check

1. What was the main cause of the outbreak of World War I?
2. Answer: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

3. Explanation: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand sparked a chain reaction of events that led to the outbreak of World War I.

4. What was the significance of the Russian Revolution?

5. Answer: The Russian Revolution led to the establishment of the Soviet Union and the rise of communism.

6. Explanation: The Russian Revolution marked a turning point in modern history, as it established the world's first socialist state and paved the way for the rise of communism.

7. What was the main provision of the Treaty of Versailles?

8. Answer: The War Guilt Clause
9. Explanation: The War Guilt Clause held Germany responsible for the outbreak of World War I and imposed harsh penalties on the country.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919.
• The Russian Revolution was led by the Bolsheviks.
• The United States entered World War I in 1917.
• The War Guilt Clause held Germany responsible for the outbreak of World War I.
• The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was a treaty between Russia and Germany.
• The February Revolution was a revolution that took place in Russia in 1917.
• The October Revolution was a revolution that took place in Russia in 1917.
• The Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918.
• The Paris Peace Conference was a conference that took place in 1919 to negotiate the Treaty of Versailles.
• The League of Nations was an international organization established after World War I to promote peace and security.
• The Treaty of Versailles was not signed until after the Armistice.
• The Russian Revolution was not led by the Mensheviks.
• The United States did not enter World War I until 1917.