History & Civics
Answer
An important cause of the war was intense nationalism or "competitive patriotism".
- Germany had Kaiser Wilhelm II as her new Emperor.
- He went about proclaiming that "Germany was going to be the leader of the world."
- He wanted to establish a vast German Empire and gain important position in the international sphere.
- France and Germany were old rivals.
- After defeating France in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71) Germany had seized the province of Alsace and most parts of Lorraine, which were rich in minerals and industrial products.
- The French dreamed of revenge and of taking back their lost provinces.
- The Italians desired to get back Trentino and the Port of Trieste which were inhabited by Italians but were still the part of Austria-Hungary.
- Then there was the "unsatisfied national spirit of the Balkan States—Serbia and Bulgaria, of Poland and of the people of Austria-Hungary."
- The political leaders were successful in fanning hatred and passion under the cover of nationalism.
Related Questions
Look at the newspaper excerpt given on the right and answer the questions that follow:
(a) Who summarily rejected British ultimatum? Why?
(b) Why did Great Britain declare war on Germany?
(c) What was the final outcome of the war that began after Great Britain declared war on Germany? How did it affect both the countries?
When was the League of Nations formed?
- 1919
- 1918
- 1920
- 1921
The Triple Alliance formed in 1882 did not include :
- Germany
- Austria
- Italy
- France
Which of the following is INCORRECT with reference to World War I?
- Triple Entente – France, Russia, Japan
- Allied Powers – Britain, France, Russia
- Triple Alliance – Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary
- Central Powers – Germany, Austria, Italy