World Wars

The Schlieffen Plan was Germany's strategy to avoid a long two-front war. For exams connect it with the beginning of the Western Front.

After the Marne the Western Front turned into long trench warfare. For exams remember it as an early turning point of the First World War.

At Verdun both sides suffered heavy losses for a long time. For exams understand attrition as continuous wearing down of resources.

Tanks were used early at the Somme but were not immediately decisive. For exams understand technological development gradually.

German submarine policy harmed American interests. For exams place it among the causes of US entry into the war.

The Zimmermann Telegram increased the American sense of German threat. For exams connect it with the background of US entry.

Russia’s withdrawal from the First World War changed Germany’s military situation immediately. Before the withdrawal, Germany had to maintain a major Eastern Front against Russia while also fighting Britain, France, and their allies in the west. After Russia left and the Eastern Front was closed through the peace process, Germany could transfer many soldiers and some resources westward. This temporarily increased German strength on the Western Front.

Option C is correct: Germany could move troops from the Eastern Front to the west. The withdrawal did not mean Germany conquered Japan, created the United Nations, or destroyed all weapons. The Russian Revolution of 1917 led to the eventual withdrawal, while the later troop movements helped Germany prepare its 1918 offensives. The advantage was immediate in military deployment, although it did not guarantee German victory. The supplied answer is accurate.

The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk took Russia out of the war. For exams remember it as an event after the Russian Revolution.

Self-determination gave a new direction to questions of nations and borders. For exams connect it with the post-war peace plan.

The Allies wanted to reduce Germany's military power. For exams remember the military terms of Versailles separately.

The war guilt clause blamed Germany for the war and increased anger. For exams connect it with Nazi propaganda.

The absence of the USA reduced the League's effectiveness. For exams understand the link between membership and power.

Sending troops into the Rhineland showed Hitler's bold expansion policy. For exams remember aggression growing through small steps.

The annexation of Austria was a major step in Hitler's expansionist policy. For exams remember the events of 1938 in order.

Munich weakened Czechoslovakia's security. For exams understand the effect of appeasement on smaller states.

This pact gave Germany strategic ease in attacking Poland. For exams connect the diplomacy of 1939 with the war's start.

Germany bypassed the fixed defensive line by avoiding the expected route. For exams understand the difference between static defense and mobile warfare.

At Dunkirk many soldiers were saved despite a defeat-like situation. For exams treat it as a successful evacuation during military crisis.

Vichy France was a collaborationist regime after German occupation. For exams keep it separate from the Free French movement.

Britain's air defense stopped Germany's invasion plan. For exams treat it as one of Hitler's first major failures.

The Blitz brought war into civilian life. For exams remember the social effects of air warfare.

Through Lend-Lease the USA helped the Allies before entering the war. For exams see it as a step from neutrality to active role.

Operation Torch increased pressure on Axis forces in North Africa. For exams connect it with the Mediterranean campaign.

After Italy's surrender Germany continued resistance. For exams understand the difference between an ally state and occupying forces.

In the Normandy landings soldiers and supplies had to arrive by sea. For exams understand the role of combined military operations.