WWI and Post-War Treaties

Which three European countries were part of the Triple Entente?

• Germany, France and Russia

• Great Britain, France and Russia

• Great Britain, Germany and Russia

Answer explanation

In 1904 Great Britain signed an Entente Cordiale with France to settle colonial problems and in 1907 Great Britain signed an Entente with Russia to settle problems in Asia. The Entente was not an alliance, Britain was not committed to go to war on behalf of the other countries.

Which was the source of conflict between Great Britain and Germany?

• Alsace and Lorraine

• Control over south-east Europe

• Naval power

Answer explanation

Germany was an industrial country and could build battleships (dreadnoughts) quickly while most of Great Britain’s fleet  was obsolete.

   Why did Great Britain enter WWI?

• Because it was part of the Triple Entente.

• Because the heir to the throne had been assassinated.

• Because it was a guarantor of Belgium’s neutrality.

Answer explanation

The London Treaty of 1839 guaranteed Belgian neutrality and Great Britain was one of the guarantors. When Germany invaded Belgium, Great Britain declared war on Germany.

Why did the USA enter WWI?

• To protect its territorial integrity.

• To promote freedom of the seas

• To reform international politics.

Answer explanation

According to Stevenson (1914), “in 1917 the US declared war on Germany over the submarine issue, though also because of a German offer to Mexico to ally against America and because of Wilson’s ambition to reform the global political system and create a League of Nations after the war.”

The Treaty of Versailles

• Blamed Germany for having started WWI.

• Set up the League of Nations.

• Demanded that Germany pay reparations.

• Set German colonies under the control of the League.

Answer explanation

You can read more details about the Treaty of Versailles in https://history.state.gov/milestones/1914-1920/paris-peace