World Wars

The ultimatum contained terms Serbia could see as against its independence. For exams connect the July Crisis with diplomatic failure.

The plan depended heavily on timing and speed so delay weakened its aim. For exams connect it with fear of a two-front war.

After the Marne fast movement turned into long defensive fighting. For exams connect it with the beginning of stalemate.

Verdun became a symbol of French resistance and heavy loss of life. For exams understand war memory through symbols not only dates.

The Somme caused huge losses but no decisive success. For exams understand the difference between casualties and strategic outcome.

Submarine policy attacked British supply but provoked American public opinion. For exams see both benefit and risk of strategy.

The telegram strengthened anti-German feeling in the USA. For exams place it in the background of US entry into war.

Russia's exit gave Germany relief but US entry changed the balance. For exams study both events together.

The war guilt clause increased German resentment and revenge politics. For exams connect it with Nazi propaganda.

Self-determination was an ideal but real control continued in many areas. For exams understand the difference between ideals and real politics.

The League had weak power to enforce decisions. For exams examine both structure and membership of the institution.

The Manchuria crisis showed the League's weakness and Japanese expansionism. For exams do not forget the Asian background.

The Ethiopia crisis showed that aggressive powers were not facing firm action. For exams connect it with League weakness.

In the Munich Agreement great-power politics overrode a small nation's security. For exams understand the ethical side of appeasement.

The secret protocol showed power politics over Poland and Eastern Europe. For exams keep the public and secret sides of the pact separate.

Blitzkrieg tried to break defenses through speed and combined arms. For exams treat it as a mobile strategy of the Second World War.

After France fell Britain had to focus on resistance and defense alone. For exams study the Battle of Britain in this context.

Germany failed to gain air superiority so the invasion plan weakened. For exams understand the link between air control and sea invasion.

Long distances made fuel food and weapons supply difficult. For exams connect geography with military strategy.

After Stalingrad the German army began to be pushed back. For exams understand it as both strategic and psychological turning point.