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Outbreak of World War I and Its Aftermath Exercise Solutions | KalviGavani

Samacheer Kalvi 10th Social Science History Chapter 1 Outbreak of World War I and Its Aftermath exercise solutions with MCQs, fill in blanks, true or false, match the following, short and detailed answers, common mistakes, and exam checklist.

Updated 15 June 202624 min read

How to Use This Page

  • Read the textbook chapter first, then come here to verify and strengthen your answers — this guide is a supplement, not a substitute.
  • Practise each section in order: start with MCQs, move to fill in the blanks, then true or false, and build up to short and detailed answers.
  • Write practice answers on paper under timed conditions (roughly 2 minutes per one-mark question, 5 minutes per two-mark question, 15 minutes per five-mark question).
  • Use the Exam Checklist at the end as a final self-test before the exam — if you cannot tick every item, go back and revise that topic.
  • Pay special attention to dates, names, and treaties — examiners often test exact details like 28 June 1914, Article 231, and the Treaty of Versailles.

Key Concepts (Quick Recap)

  • Imperialism and Colonial Rivalry: European powers like Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands competed fiercely for colonies in Africa and Asia, seeking raw materials, new markets, and strategic naval bases. This rivalry bred mutual suspicion and hostility.
  • Militarism: Nations built up massive armies and navies. Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm II pursued an aggressive naval expansion (the "Weltpolitik" policy) and the Tirpitz Plan to challenge British naval supremacy. Britain responded with dreadnought-class battleships, fuelling an arms race.
  • Triple Alliance (1882): Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy formed a defensive alliance. Italy later switched sides during the war.
  • Triple Entente (1907): Britain, France, and Russia formed a counter-alliance. The two blocs meant that any local conflict could escalate into a continent-wide war.
  • Balkan Problem: The Ottoman Empire's decline left the Balkans unstable. Slavic nationalism, especially Serbian ambitions, clashed with Austro-Hungarian expansion. The region was called the "powder keg of Europe."
  • Assassination at Sarajevo (28 June 1914): Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist, assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife Sophie in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
  • Outbreak of War: Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia (23 July 1914), declared war on 28 July 1914. Russia mobilised to support Serbia, Germany declared war on Russia (1 August) and France (3 August), and Britain entered after Germany invaded Belgium (4 August).
  • Schlieffen Plan: Germany's strategy to avoid a two-front war by quickly defeating France through Belgium and then turning east to fight Russia. The plan failed when the German advance was halted at the Battle of the Marne (September 1914).
  • Entry of the USA (6 April 1917): The USA joined the Allies after German unrestricted submarine warfare (sinking of the Lusitania in 1915) and the Zimmermann Telegram incident.
  • Russian Withdrawal (1917): The Bolshevik Revolution overthrew the Tsarist regime. Lenin signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (March 1918), taking Russia out of the war.
  • Armistice (11 November 1918): Germany signed the armistice ending hostilities on the Western Front at Compiegne, France.
  • Treaty of Versailles (28 June 1919): Signed exactly five years after the Sarajevo assassination. Imposed the War Guilt Clause (Article 231), reparations of 132 billion gold marks, territorial losses, and severe military restrictions on Germany.
  • Other Peace Treaties: Treaty of St. Germain (with Austria, 1919), Treaty of Neuilly (with Bulgaria, 1919), Treaty of Trianon (with Hungary, 1920), Treaty of Sevres (with Turkey, 1920).
  • League of Nations (1920): Created to maintain international peace and security. Headquartered in Geneva. The USA never joined, which severely weakened it.
  • Mandate System: Former German and Ottoman territories were placed under the administration of Allied powers (Britain, France, etc.) under League supervision, rather than being granted independence.
  • Collapse of Empires: The war led to the fall of the Romanov (Russia), Habsburg (Austria-Hungary), Ottoman (Turkey), and Hohenzollern (Germany) dynasties and the creation of new nations like Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia.
  • Seeds of World War II: The harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, the failure of the League of Nations, and unresolved territorial disputes created conditions that eventually led to World War II.

I. Choose the Correct Answer (MCQs)

1. Who was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne whose assassination triggered World War I?
Answer

(a) Kaiser Wilhelm II (b) Archduke Franz Ferdinand (c) Gavrilo Princip (d) Tsar Nicholas II

Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the nephew of Emperor Franz Joseph I and the heir presumptive to the Austro-Hungarian throne. He was assassinated on 28 June 1914 in Sarajevo, Bosnia, by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist.

2. Which alliance did Italy originally belong to before switching sides during World War I?
Answer

(a) Triple Entente (b) Anglo-Russian Convention (c) Triple Alliance (d) Balkan League

Italy was a member of the Triple Alliance (formed in 1882) alongside Germany and Austria-Hungary. However, Italy argued that the alliance was defensive and that Austria-Hungary was the aggressor, so it initially remained neutral and later joined the Allies in 1915 under the Treaty of London.

3. The War Guilt Clause in the Treaty of Versailles is:
Answer

(a) Article 191 (b) Article 14 (c) Article 231 (d) Article 42

Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles forced Germany to accept sole responsibility for causing all the loss and damage of the war. This clause was used as the legal basis for imposing reparations on Germany and was deeply resented by the German people.

4. When did the USA enter World War I?
Answer

(a) 28 June 1914 (b) 28 July 1914 (c) 11 November 1918 (d) 6 April 1917

The USA declared war on Germany on 6 April 1917, prompted by Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare and the intercepted Zimmermann Telegram in which Germany proposed a military alliance with Mexico against the USA.

5. The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed between:
Answer

(a) Germany and France (b) Germany and Russia (c) Britain and Germany (d) Austria-Hungary and Serbia

The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed on 3 March 1918 between Bolshevik Russia (represented by Lenin's government) and the Central Powers. It ended Russia's participation in World War I and resulted in significant territorial losses for Russia.

6. Which country's navy challenged British naval supremacy before World War I?
Answer

(a) France (b) Russia (c) Germany (d) Italy

Under Kaiser Wilhelm II, Germany pursued an aggressive naval expansion programme (the Tirpitz Plan) aimed at building a navy rivaling Britain's Royal Navy. This naval arms race was a major factor in the growing tension between the two countries.

7. The League of Nations was headquartered in:
Answer

(a) New York (b) London (c) Geneva (d) Paris

The League of Nations was headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Switzerland's long-standing policy of neutrality made it an appropriate choice for an international organisation dedicated to peace.

8. The Schlieffen Plan involved Germany invading France through:
Answer

(a) Switzerland (b) Belgium (c) Spain (d) Italy

The Schlieffen Plan, devised by General Alfred von Schlieffen, called for a rapid German advance through neutral Belgium to outflank French defences and capture Paris quickly, before turning east to face Russia. The violation of Belgian neutrality brought Britain into the war.

9. Which treaty dealt with Austria after World War I?
Answer

(a) Treaty of Versailles (b) Treaty of St. Germain (c) Treaty of Trianon (d) Treaty of Neuilly

The Treaty of St. Germain was signed on 10 September 1919 between the Allied Powers and Austria. It recognised the independence of Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Yugoslavia, and reduced Austria to a small republic.

10. Who was the Serbian nationalist who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand?
Answer

(a) Nedjo Cabrinovic (b) Gavrilo Princip (c) Danilo Ilic (d) Trifko Grabez

Gavrilo Princip, a 19-year-old Bosnian Serb and member of the Black Hand secret society, assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie on 28 June 1914 in Sarajevo. This event was the immediate trigger for World War I.

II. Fill in the Blanks

1. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand took place at Sarajevo on 28 June 1914. 2. The Triple Alliance consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. 3. The Triple Entente consisted of Britain, France, and Russia. 4. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on 28 July 1914, marking the official start of World War I. 5. The War Guilt Clause (Article 231) of the Treaty of Versailles forced Germany to accept full responsibility for the war. 6. The League of Nations was established in 1920 with its headquarters in Geneva. 7. The Zimmermann Telegram was a secret German diplomatic communication proposing a military alliance with Mexico against the USA. 8. The Treaty of Trianon was signed with Hungary in 1920, reducing its territory by about two-thirds. 9. Germany's reparations amount under the Treaty of Versailles was set at 132 billion gold marks. 10. The armistice ending World War I was signed on 11 November 1918 at Compiegne, France.

III. True or False

1. The Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente were formed in the same year.
Answer

False. The Triple Alliance was formed in 1882, while the Triple Entente was formalised in 1907 — a gap of 25 years. The Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) came first, and the Triple Entente (Britain, France, Russia) was a later response to growing German power.

2. The USA was a founding member of the League of Nations.
Answer

False. Although President Woodrow Wilson proposed the League of Nations in his 14 Points, the US Senate refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles and the USA never joined the League. This was one of the main reasons for the League's weakness.

3. The Schlieffen Plan succeeded in its objective.
Answer

False. The Schlieffen Plan aimed to defeat France quickly through Belgium and then turn east against Russia. It failed when the German advance was halted at the First Battle of the Marne in September 1914, leading to four years of trench warfare on the Western Front.

4. The Treaty of Versailles was signed on the same date as the Sarajevo assassination, five years later.
Answer

True. The Treaty of Versailles was signed on 28 June 1919, exactly five years after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28 June 1914.

5. Italy remained loyal to the Triple Alliance throughout World War I.
Answer

False. Italy initially declared neutrality, arguing that the Triple Alliance was defensive and Austria-Hungary was the aggressor. In 1915, Italy switched sides and joined the Allies (Triple Entente) under the Treaty of London, motivated by territorial promises.

6. The mandate system granted immediate independence to former Ottoman and German territories.
Answer

False. The mandate system placed former German colonies and Ottoman territories under the administration of Allied powers (such as Britain and France) as "a sacred trust of civilisation." Independence was not granted immediately; these territories gained independence only decades later.

7. The Russian Revolution of 1917 led to Russia's withdrawal from World War I.
Answer

True. The Bolshevik Revolution of October 1917 overthrew the Provisional Government. Lenin's government signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk on 3 March 1918, formally withdrawing Russia from the war at the cost of significant territorial concessions.

8. The Balkan region was called the "powder keg of Europe" because of its stable peace.
Answer

False. The Balkans were called the "powder keg of Europe" precisely because the region was highly volatile and unstable. Competing nationalist movements (especially among Slavic peoples), the decline of the Ottoman Empire, and interference by major powers like Austria-Hungary and Russia made the Balkans a flashpoint for conflict.

IV. Match the Following

Set A

Column AColumn B
1. Gavrilo Princip(a) War Guilt Clause
2. Kaiser Wilhelm II(b) Treaty with Hungary
3. Article 231(c) German Emperor who pursued naval expansion
4. Treaty of Trianon(d) Assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand
5. Treaty of Neuilly(e) International peace organisation
6. League of Nations(f) Treaty with Bulgaria
7. Treaty of St. Germain(g) Treaty with Austria
Answer1 — d, 2 — c, 3 — a, 4 — b, 5 — f, 6 — e, 7 — g

Set B

Column AColumn B
1. 28 June 1914(a) Armistice signed ending WWI
2. 28 July 1914(b) Treaty of Versailles signed
3. 6 April 1917(c) Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
4. 11 November 1918(d) Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
5. 28 June 1919(e) Head of German naval expansion programme
6. Alfred von Tirpitz(f) US President who proposed 14 Points
7. Woodrow Wilson(g) USA enters World War I
Answer1 — c, 2 — d, 3 — g, 4 — a, 5 — b, 6 — e, 7 — f

V. Short Answers

1. What is militarism and how did it contribute to World War I?
Answer

Militarism refers to the policy of building up strong armed forces and glorifying military power as a means of achieving national goals. Before World War I, European powers engaged in an arms race — Germany expanded its navy under the Tirpitz Plan to challenge British sea supremacy, while France and Russia also built up their armies. This created an atmosphere of fear and suspicion, and military leaders developed detailed war plans (like Germany's Schlieffen Plan). When the crisis came in 1914, the ready military machinery made war more likely than diplomacy.

2. Why was the Balkan region called the "powder keg of Europe"?
Answer

The Balkans were called the "powder keg of Europe" because the region was a volatile mix of competing nationalist aspirations, declining imperial control, and great-power interference. The Ottoman Empire was weakening, and its former Balkan territories sought independence. Serbia wanted to unite all South Slavic peoples, which threatened Austria-Hungary's multi-ethnic empire. Russia supported Slavic nationalism, while Austria-Hungary and Germany opposed it. Several wars were already fought in the Balkans (1912-1913), and when the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand occurred in Sarajevo, the region ignited a wider European war.

3. What were the main provisions of the Treaty of Versailles regarding Germany?
Answer

The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh terms on Germany: (1) Article 231 (War Guilt Clause) forced Germany to accept sole responsibility for the war; (2) Germany had to pay reparations of 132 billion gold marks; (3) The German army was limited to 1,00,000 soldiers with no conscription, no air force, and no submarines; (4) The Rhineland was demilitarised and occupied by Allied troops; (5) Germany lost Alsace-Lorraine to France, the Saar coal fields to League administration, Eupen and Malmedy to Belgium, and all overseas colonies; (6) The union of Germany and Austria (Anschluss) was forbidden.

4. Explain the mandate system established after World War I.
Answer

The mandate system was created under the League of Nations to administer the former German colonies and Ottoman territories that were not yet ready for self-government. These territories were classified into three classes (A, B, and C) based on their level of development. Class A mandates (formerly Ottoman territories like Syria, Palestine, and Iraq) were deemed closest to independence. Class B mandates (former German colonies in Africa) required more guidance. Class C mandates (former German colonies in the Pacific and Southwest Africa) were administered essentially as colonies. Britain and France became the main mandate powers. The system was criticised as a disguised form of colonialism since real independence was delayed for decades.

5. What was the significance of the Zimmermann Telegram?
Answer

The Zimmermann Telegram was a secret diplomatic communication sent in January 1917 by German Foreign Secretary Arthur Zimmermann to the German ambassador in Mexico. It proposed a military alliance between Germany and Mexico if the USA entered the war against Germany, promising Mexico the return of lost territories like Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. British intelligence intercepted and decoded the telegram and shared it with the USA. When published in American newspapers in March 1917, it outraged the American public and was a key factor in turning US opinion in favour of joining the Allies, leading to the US declaration of war on Germany on 6 April 1917.

6. How did imperialism lead to tensions among European powers before World War I?
Answer

Imperialism created intense rivalry among European powers as they competed for colonies in Africa and Asia for raw materials, markets, and strategic advantage. Britain, with the largest empire, viewed German colonial ambitions as a direct threat. France resented losing Alsace-Lorraine to Germany in 1871 and sought to protect its North African interests. Germany's "Weltpolitik" under Kaiser Wilhelm II demanded a "place in the sun," leading to confrontations like the Moroccan Crises (1905 and 1911). These colonial rivalries deepened mutual distrust, encouraged military build-ups, and pushed nations into alliances for security, making diplomatic solutions harder when crises arose.

VI. Detailed Answers

1. Explain the causes of World War I in detail.

Imperialism and Colonial Rivalry

European powers competed intensely for colonies in Africa and Asia. Britain and France had vast overseas empires, while Germany, a latecomer to colonisation under Kaiser Wilhelm II, demanded its "place in the sun." This competition for raw materials, markets, and strategic naval bases led to confrontations such as the Moroccan Crises of 1905 and 1911, which heightened Anglo-German and Franco-German tensions.

Militarism

Nations built up massive armies and navies and glorified military power. Germany's Tirpitz Plan created a large navy to challenge Britain. France maintained a large standing army. Russia expanded its forces. This arms race created fear, suspicion, and the belief that war was inevitable. Detailed war plans like Germany's Schlieffen Plan meant that once mobilisation began, it was nearly impossible to stop.

Alliance System

Europe was divided into two hostile blocs: the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, formed in 1882) and the Triple Entente (Britain, France, and Russia, formalised in 1907). These alliances meant that a conflict between any two nations could draw in all the others. When Austria-Hungary clashed with Serbia, Russia, Germany, France, and Britain were all pulled in through their alliance commitments.

Nationalism and the Balkan Problem

Intense nationalist feelings, particularly among Slavic peoples in the Balkans, created instability. Serbia wanted to unite all South Slavs under its leadership, which directly threatened the multi-ethnic Austro-Hungarian Empire. Russia saw itself as the protector of Slavic interests. The decline of the Ottoman Empire left a power vacuum in the Balkans, and two Balkan Wars (1912-1913) had already made the region volatile.

Immediate Cause: Assassination at Sarajevo

On 28 June 1914, Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist, assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, in Sarajevo. Austria-Hungary, with German backing, issued an ultimatum to Serbia. When Serbia's response was deemed unsatisfactory, Austria-Hungary declared war on 28 July 1914. The alliance system then rapidly drew all the great powers into the conflict.

2. Describe the course of World War I from 1914 to 1918.

Opening Moves: The Schlieffen Plan (August 1914)

Germany implemented the Schlieffen Plan to avoid a two-front war. The plan called for a rapid invasion of France through neutral Belgium, defeating France within six weeks, and then turning east to fight Russia. The German army swept through Belgium but was halted at the First Battle of the Marne (September 1914), ending hopes of a quick victory.

Trench Warfare and Stalemate (1915-1916)

After the Battle of the Marne, both sides dug in along the Western Front, creating a massive network of trenches stretching from the English Channel to the Swiss border. Major battles like Verdun (February-December 1916) and the Somme (July-November 1916) resulted in enormous casualties with minimal territorial gains. On the Eastern Front, Russia initially advanced into East Prussia but was defeated at the Battle of Tannenberg (August 1914).

Entry of the United States (1917)

The USA declared war on Germany on 6 April 1917. Two key factors were Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare (which sank the Lusitania in 1915, killing 1,198 people including 128 Americans) and the Zimmermann Telegram proposing a German-Mexican alliance against the USA. American troops and resources gave the Allies a crucial advantage.

Russian Withdrawal (1917)

The Bolshevik Revolution of October 1917 overthrew Russia's Provisional Government. Lenin's government signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (3 March 1918), withdrawing Russia from the war and ceding large territories to Germany. This freed German troops for the Western Front but came too late to change the outcome.

Final Phase and Armistice (1918)

Germany launched a massive Spring Offensive (March-July 1918) that initially gained ground but ultimately failed. The Allies, reinforced by American troops, launched a successful counter-offensive (the Hundred Days Offensive). With its allies collapsing, its army retreating, and revolution brewing at home, Germany sought an armistice. Hostilities ended on 11 November 1918 at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

3. Discuss the peace treaties signed after World War I and their impact.

Treaty of Versailles (28 June 1919) — with Germany

The most important of the peace treaties, signed at the Palace of Versailles. Key provisions: Germany was forced to accept the War Guilt Clause (Article 231), pay reparations of 132 billion gold marks, reduce its army to 1,00,000 men, surrender its navy and air force, lose all overseas colonies, and cede territory to France (Alsace-Lorraine), Belgium, Poland, and others. The Rhineland was demilitarised and occupied. The treaty also established the League of Nations. The terms were widely seen as punitive and sowed deep resentment in Germany, contributing to the rise of Nazism and World War II.

Treaty of St. Germain (10 September 1919) — with Austria

Dissolved the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Austria was reduced to a small republic of about 6.5 million people. It had to recognise the independence of Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Yugoslavia. Austria was forbidden from uniting with Germany (Anschluss). Its army was limited to 30,000 men.

Treaty of Neuilly (27 November 1919) — with Bulgaria

Bulgaria lost territory to Greece and Yugoslavia, was required to pay reparations, and its army was limited to 20,000 men. Bulgaria also had to give up its Aegean coastline, losing access to the Aegean Sea.

Treaty of Trianon (4 June 1920) — with Hungary

Hungary lost about two-thirds of its territory and roughly half of its population. Transylvania went to Romania, Slovakia and Carpathian Ruthenia to Czechoslovakia, and Croatia-Slavonia to Yugoslavia. Hungary's army was limited to 35,000 men, and it had to pay reparations.

Treaty of Sevres (10 August 1920) — with Turkey

Dissolved the Ottoman Empire. Turkey lost its Arab territories, which were placed under mandate rule. The Straits of Dardanelles and Bosphorus were internationalised. However, this treaty was so harsh that it sparked the Turkish War of Independence led by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, resulting in the revised Treaty of Lausanne (1923).

Overall Impact

These treaties redrew the map of Europe, dissolved four empires (Russian, German, Austro-Hungarian, and Ottoman), created new nations (Poland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, etc.), and established the mandate system for former colonies. However, the punitive terms, especially towards Germany and Hungary, created lasting resentment that contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

4. Explain the formation, structure, and weaknesses of the League of Nations.

Formation

The League of Nations was proposed by US President Woodrow Wilson as part of his 14 Points speech in January 1918. It was formally established by the Treaty of Versailles on 10 January 1920, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Its primary purpose was to maintain international peace and security through collective security, disarmament, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Structure

The League had three main organs: (1) The Assembly, which met annually and included representatives from all member states, each having one vote; (2) The Council, which was the executive body with permanent members (Britain, France, Italy, Japan) and non-permanent members elected by the Assembly, responsible for addressing urgent crises; (3) The Secretariat, the administrative body headed by a Secretary-General. Additionally, the Permanent Court of International Justice (based at The Hague) adjudicated legal disputes, and the International Labour Organisation addressed workers' rights.

Weaknesses and Failures

No armed forces: The League had no military of its own and relied on member states to enforce its decisions, which they were often unwilling to do.

Unanimity requirement: Most decisions required unanimous agreement, making it nearly impossible to take decisive action.

USA did not join: Despite Wilson proposing the League, the US Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles, and America never became a member. This deprived the League of the world's most powerful nation.

Major powers absent or departed: Germany was initially excluded and joined only in 1926; Japan left in 1933 after the Manchurian crisis; Italy left in 1937 after invading Ethiopia; the USSR was expelled in 1939 for attacking Finland.

Failed to prevent aggression: The League failed to stop Japan's invasion of Manchuria (1931), Italy's conquest of Ethiopia (1935-36), and Germany's reoccupation of the Rhineland (1936). Each failure exposed its inability to enforce collective security.

These weaknesses meant that the League could not prevent the slide towards World War II, and it was replaced by the United Nations in 1945.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Confusing the Triple Alliance with the Triple Entente: The Triple Alliance was Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy (formed 1882). The Triple Entente was Britain, France, and Russia (formalised 1907). Remember: Alliance = Central Powers' side (minus Italy which switched); Entente = Allied side.

2. Writing that the USA joined the League of Nations: The USA never joined the League despite Wilson proposing it. The US Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles. This is one of the most frequently tested facts.

3. Confusing the Treaty of Versailles date with the armistice date: The armistice was signed on 11 November 1918 (ending fighting). The Treaty of Versailles was signed on 28 June 1919 (the formal peace treaty). These are different events on different dates.

4. Saying Gavrilo Princip was Austrian: He was a Bosnian Serb, not Austrian. He belonged to the Black Hand, a Serbian nationalist secret society, and his act of assassinating the Austro-Hungarian heir was motivated by Slavic nationalist aspirations.

5. Confusing Treaty of Trianon with Treaty of St. Germain: Trianon was with Hungary (reduced its territory by two-thirds); St. Germain was with Austria (dissolved the Austro-Hungarian Empire). A useful mnemonic: Trianon = Trimming Hungary; St. Germain = Shrinking Austria.

6. Writing that World War I ended with the Treaty of Versailles: The war ended with the armistice on 11 November 1918. The Treaty of Versailles was the peace settlement signed months later on 28 June 1919. Other treaties (St. Germain, Neuilly, Trianon, Sevres) followed.

7. Saying the Schlieffen Plan succeeded: It failed. The German advance was stopped at the First Battle of the Marne in September 1914, leading to years of trench warfare. This is a common exam trap.

8. Confusing Article 231 with Article 14: Article 231 is the War Guilt Clause of the Treaty of Versailles. Article 14 does not exist in this context. Remember: 2 + 3 + 1 = 6, the number of years (1914-1919) from trigger to treaty — or simply memorise 231 as the War Guilt number.

Exam Checklist

  • [ ] I can list all the causes of World War I: imperialism, militarism, alliance system, nationalism, and the Balkan problem
  • [ ] I can identify the Triple Alliance members (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) and the Triple Entente members (Britain, France, Russia)
  • [ ] I know the key dates: 28 June 1914 (assassination), 28 July 1914 (war declared), 6 April 1917 (USA enters), 11 November 1918 (armistice), 28 June 1919 (Treaty of Versailles)
  • [ ] I can explain the Schlieffen Plan and why it failed
  • [ ] I can describe the main provisions of the Treaty of Versailles, including Article 231 and reparations
  • [ ] I can name and distinguish the five major peace treaties (Versailles, St. Germain, Neuilly, Trianon, Sevres) and which country each dealt with
  • [ ] I can explain why the League of Nations was weak, including the USA not joining and the lack of armed forces
  • [ ] I can describe the mandate system and its classification into A, B, and C categories
  • [ ] I can explain how the Treaty of Versailles sowed the seeds of World War II
  • [ ] I can write about Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points and the gap between the proposal and what was actually implemented

Frequently Asked Questions

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, by Gavrilo Princip at Sarajevo on 28 June 1914. Austria-Hungary used this as a pretext to declare war on Serbia, which then triggered the alliance system and drew all major European powers into the conflict.
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