Date: 12.2.2011
Section 1
Introduction
Pop Quiz:
What was the name of the alliance formed in 1879 between Germany and Austria-
Hungary?
When was Italy included into the alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary?
Who were the members of the Triple Entente and when was the Entente formed?
Between 1908 and 1913, how much did military spending in European nations increase?
Was the pre-war period a time of prosperity for Europe? How do you know this?
Section 2
Listen and read the following song. Try and picture yourself as a young man in Great
Britain. Would you sign up with the military to fight against the Germans?
A sentimental favourite at the start of war in 1914, Your King and Country Want You
was penned by Paul Rubens.
Rubens had established himself in the pre-war years as the author of numerous popular
musical shows. His shows included Mr Popple (of Ippleton) (1905), The Dairymaids
(1906), Miss Hook of Holland (1907) and The Sunshine Girl (1912).
A prolific author, lyricist and composer, Rubens' career was cut short by his early death
from consumption at the age of 41 in 1917.
Your King and Country Want You was notably used as a means of persuading young
men to enlist for military service in 1914. The veteran theatrical performer Vesta Tilley
often performed the song at recruitment rallies; men who declined to enlist at the end of
these were invariably handed white feathers by children chosen for the task.
Two versions of the song are included here (for which abridged lyrics are reproduced
below), both recorded in 1914. Edna Thornton and Helen Clark's renditions are
available using the player above.
Section 3
Date Event
July 29 -
Austria-Hungary repeatedly invades Serbia but is repeatedly repulsed
December 9
August 1 ____________________________________________
August 23 -
Austria-Hungary invades Russian ____________ (Galicia)
September 2
September 15 -
The "race to the sea", trenches appear on September 15
November 24
October 14 -
First Battle of Ypres
November 22
October 29 Turkey enters the war on the side of the Central Powers
Homework Task:
Research on the immediate causes of World War I.
Be able to tell what is the difference between the short term and long term causes. Could
one have happened without the other?