Was WWI caused only by the assassination of Franz Ferdinand?
No — that was the trigger; long-term causes included alliances, militarism, imperialism and nationalism. Learn it step by step →
Conflict & the First World War is a core part of GCSE History. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.
Key concepts
Schlieffen PlanGermany's 1914 plan to defeat France in 6 weeks
First MarneSept 1914 battle that halted the German advance
Trench warfareStalemate of dug-in armies along a 400-mile front
Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:
Was WWI caused only by the assassination of Franz Ferdinand?✗ Yes, that was the sole cause.✓ No — that was the trigger; long-term causes included alliances, militarism, imperialism and nationalism.
What was fighting on the Western Front mostly like?✗ Fast, mobile cavalry battles throughout.✓ Trench warfare and stalemate for long periods.
How did Germans view the Treaty of Versailles?✗ As a fair settlement they accepted willingly.✓ As a harsh 'diktat' (war guilt, reparations, lost land) that caused deep resentment.
Did the League of Nations successfully prevent war?✗ Yes, it prevented all conflict.✓ It had some successes but failed to stop aggression in the 1930s (Manchuria, Abyssinia).
Practise Conflict & the First World War — free games
Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic:
