Study
Questions & Essay Topics
Always use specific historical examples to support
your arguments.
Study Questions
1. World War
I has often been described as an “unnecessary war.” Why? Do you
agree?
2. What, if any, are the connections
between the causes of the war in
1914 and
the reasons that the war was still going on in
1918?
3. Consider the
role of diplomacy in World War I. How was it a positive influence?
How was it a negative one?
Suggested Essay Topics
1. What is trench warfare, and
why was so much of World War I dominated by this method of fighting?
Consider such elements as technology, strategy, attitudes of leaders,
and any other factors you can think of. How did trench warfare affect the
duration of the war?
2. After the war, Germany was
punished much more severely than were the remnants of Austria-Hungary.
Do you think this was reasonable? In your answer, consider the roles
each country shared in starting and escalating the war. Also consider
the roles of Serbia and Russia.
3. How did the use of new technologies
during World War I influence the war? Which sides benefited the
most from which technologies? Did any of them play a role in either lengthening
or in shortening the war? Which technologies were the most important?
4. Discuss the U.S. policy on
American troops serving in Europe during World War I. Why do you
think American commanders were hesitant to allow U.S. soldiers to
serve in British and French regiments? What effect did this policy
have on America’s relations with the other Allied countries?
5. What was the Schlieffen Plan
and why was it unsuccessful during World War I?
