Ancient history

Questions about World War I

The causes and consequences of the First World War (1914-1918) are usually collected in Enem and in entrance exams across the country.

Therefore, we have prepared a review of exercises with annotated answers for you to prepare and achieve a place in the university.

Good study!

Question 1

(Enem-2014) Three decades — from 1884 to 1914 — separate the 19th century — which ended with the rush of European countries to Africa and the emergence of national unification movements in Europe — from the 20th century, which began with the First World War. It is the period of Imperialism, stagnant stillness in Europe and exciting developments in Asia and Africa.

ARENDT, H. The origins of totalitarianism. Sao Paulo:Co. of Letters, 2012.

The aforementioned historical process contributed to the outbreak of the First World War insofar as

a) spread socialist theories.
b) intensified territorial disputes.
c) overcame economic crises.
d) multiplied religious conflicts.
e) contained the xenophobic feelings.

Correct alternative b) intensified territorial disputes.

The text mentions "imperialism", which is precisely the dispute between European powers to conquer more territories in Africa and Asia.

a) WRONG. Socialist theories were disseminated in this period, yes, but it has nothing to do with the passage quoted in the question.
c) WRONG. The economic crises have not been resolved at this time, although there is industrial growth. In any case, this idea is not present in the text.
d) WRONG. Religious conflicts did not grow in this period.
e) WRONG. At this time, xenophobic feelings increased and not contained. It is the time of great nationalism in all European countries.

Question 2

(UFF) Many historians consider the First World War as a major factor in the crisis of contemporary liberal societies. Check the box that contains all correct arguments in favor of such an opinion.

a) The war economy led to unprecedented state interventionism; the “sacred union” was invoked in favor of serious restrictions on civil and political liberties and, due to the recently ended war, serious economic difficulties broke out in 1920 that shook liberal countries, above all through inflation.
b) In all countries, the war economy forced the abolition of labor unions, the confiscation of private fortunes and the closing of parliaments, thus calling into question the basic pillars of liberal society.
c) During the war it was necessary to establish authoritarian and dictatorial regimes in previously liberal countries such as France and England, in a harbinger of fascism yet to come.
d) The war transformed previously liberal States into managers of a militarized economy that once again used menial labor to manufacture weapons and ammunition, in flagrant disrespect for individual freedoms.
e) Defeated in the First World War, the great liberal powers were, for that reason, powerless to contain, afterwards, the communist challenge and fascism.

Correct alternative:a) The war economy led to unprecedented state interventionism; the “sacred union” was invoked in favor of serious restrictions on civil and political liberties and, due to the recently ended war, serious economic difficulties broke out in 1920 that shook liberal countries, above all through inflation.

The end of the conflict favored disbelief in traditional political parties, which led many people to support illiberal ideas such as fascism and communism.

b) WRONG. None of what was described in such an alternative occurred.
c) WRONG. There was no establishment of militaristic regimes in France and England,
d) WRONG. Nor has this transformation taken place, at this time, from a liberal state to a manager state.
e) WRONG. In History we cannot generalize, as communism and fascism were contained in some liberal countries.

Question 3

(Enem-2009) The first half of the 20th century was marked by conflicts and processes that inscribed it as one of the most violent periods in human history.

Among the main factors that were at the origin of the conflicts that occurred during the first half of the 20th century are:

a) the crisis of colonialism, the rise of nationalism and totalitarianism.
b) the weakening of the British empire, the Great Depression and the nuclear race.
c) the British decline, the failure of the League of Nations and the Cuban Revolution.
d) the arms race, third worldism and Soviet expansionism.
e) the Bolshevik Revolution, imperialism and the unification of Germany.

Correct alternative:a) the crisis of colonialism, the rise of nationalism and totalitarianism.

The crisis of colonialism provoked fierce disputes between European countries that were combined with a strong nationalist propaganda that despised the neighbors. This provided the rise of totalitarian regimes in countries such as Germany and Italy.

To answer the exercise, pay attention to the requested date:"first half of the 20th century". Thus, we eliminated the last four alternatives because they refer to facts that occurred in the second half of the century, such as the colonialism crisis, nuclear race, Cuban Revolution, Third Worldism and German unification.

See also:Russian Revolution (1917)

Question 4

(PUC-Campinas) Regarding the causes of the First World War, it is correct to say that:

a) The inability of liberal states to resolve the economic crisis of the 19th century put the entire structure of the capitalist system in check. The political and social instability of European nations boosted colonial disputes and conflict between powers.
b) The uneven development of European capitalist nations accentuated imperialist rivalry. The colonial dispute marked by aggressive nationalism and the arms race expanded the points of friction between the powers.
c) The success of the appeasement policy and the alliance system balanced the system of forces between European nations, intensifying the struggles to conquer colonies in Africa and Asia.
d) The expansionism in Austria, the invasion of Poland by the German troops scared England and France, which reacted against the aggression by declaring war on the enemy.
e) The imbalance between production and consumption encouraged the conquest of new markets producing raw materials and consumers of production goods, reactivating rivalries between European and North American countries.

Correct alternative:b) The uneven development of European capitalist nations accentuated imperialist rivalry. The colonial dispute marked by aggressive nationalism and the arms race expanded the points of friction between the powers.

At the beginning of the 20th century, after the unification of the German Empire, it went in search of colonies in Africa and Asia. For that, it has to use a nationalist speech that exalts the qualities of the Germans and despises other European peoples like England and France.

a) WRONG. The crisis of liberal states did not endanger the WHOLE structure of the capitalist system, but some of its aspects.
c) WRONG. The "appeasement policy" took place in the 1930s and has nothing to do with World War I.
d) WRONG. Poland would only be invaded in 1939 by Germany.
e) WRONG. There was no such imbalance between Europe and North America.

See also:Phases of World War I

Question 5

(Unirio) Among the factors that led to the First World War (1914-1918), we highlight:

a) Slavic nationalism allied to the breakdown of the Turkish Empire.
b) Anglo-German military agreement aimed at the partition of Africa.
c) international imbalance caused by Russia's alliance with the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
d) French discontent with the occupation in Morocco.
e) Emperor Franz Ferdinand's opposition to the admission of Serbia into the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Correct alternative:a) Slavic nationalism allied to the breakdown of the Turkish Empire.

Slav nationalism, whose nations were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, became a problem for the stability of this Empire and for neighboring nations. The Turkish Empire, on the other hand, faced rebellions that were supported by powers such as the United Kingdom. Therefore, internally, the Turkish Empire was quite unstable, with several internal rebellions.

b) WRONG. Germany and England did not sign any pact to divide Africa. On the contrary, they were rival nations.
c) WRONG. The Russian Empire and Austro-Hungarian Empire did not sign any alliance, and still disputed a common territory that was Serbia.
d) WRONG. France was not dissatisfied with the occupation of Morocco, as it occupied this territory itself.
e) WRONG. There are two errors in this sentence:Franz Ferdinand was not emperor and Serbia was already part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Question 6

(UFPel-2008) "Articles of the Treaty of Versailles:

Art. 45 - Germany cedes to France absolute ownership [...], with full right of exploitation, of the coal mines located in the Saar river basin.
Art. 119 - Germany renounces, in favor of the Allied Powers, all rights over the overseas colonies. Art. 171 - The manufacture and importation of armored cars, tanks, or any other instrument that serves war objectives are prohibited in Germany.
Art. 232 - Germany undertakes to repair all damage caused to the civilian population of the Allied Powers and to their property."

MARQUES, Adhemar Martins et al. "Contemporary History Texts and Documents". São Paulo:Context, 1999.

According to the text and to your knowledge it is correct to say that the Treaty of Versailles:

a) It ended World War II, causing Germany to lose its overseas colonies to the Allied countries.
b) It extinguished the League of Nations, proposing the creation of the United Nations (UN) in 1945, with the aim of preserving world peace.
c) It stimulated economic and colonial competition between European countries, culminating in World War I.
d) Allowed the Allied powers to divide Germany at the end of World War II, into four zones of occupation:French, British, American and Soviet.
e) It imposed harsh sanctions on Germany at the end of the 1st World War, causing a resurgence of nationalism and reorganizing the country's political forces.

Correct alternative:e) It imposed harsh sanctions on Germany at the end of the 1st World War, causing a resurgence of nationalism and reorganizing the country's political forces.

To answer this question, it is necessary about the two great world conflicts of the 20th century. The Treaty of Versailles concerns the end of the First World War and the impositions made on Germany. Therefore, we only have option "e" as correct.

See also:Treaty of Versailles (1919)

Question 7

(Mackenzie-1996) Among the causes of the First World War, the Balkan question stands out, which can be associated:

a) the formation of new nationalities, such as Yugoslavia, under the tutelage of Germany.
b) colonial disputes in Asia and Africa between France and England.
c) Russian interest in opening the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits, Slavic nationalism and Austrian fears about the formation of Greater Serbia.
d) disagreements between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and England linked to the annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
e) the assassination of the Crown Prince Franz Ferdinand and the outstanding issues related to the Treaty of Brest-Litowsky and the break-up of Austria-Hungary.

Correct alternative:c) Russian interest in opening the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits, Slavic nationalism and Austrian fears about the formation of Greater Serbia.

Nationalism and the support of the great powers to the smallest countries in Europe gave rise to a complex game of alliances that could be broken at the slightest problem.

a) WRONG. Yugoslav nationality did not exist, as the country Yugoslavia would only be created after World War I.
b) WRONG. Colonial disputes involved France, England and Germany.
d) WRONG. England did not interfere in the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
e) WRONG. The Brest-Litowsky treaty was signed in 1917 and the break-up of Austria-Hungary took place after the war.

Question 8

(PUC-Campinas) The First World War, which weakened Europe in population and economic importance:

a) led to the creation of the Pan-Germanic League in charge of carrying out the "Anschluss" .
b) contributed to the implementation of the German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact, signed between William II and Nicholas II.
c) contributed to the formation, within Serbia, of secret societies, such as the Black Hand founded in 1921.
d) contributed to the creation of a favorable climate for the acceptance of the principles of utopian socialism.
e) led to the dissemination of ideas that pointed to the contradictions of liberalism.

Correct alternative:e) caused the diffusion of ideas that pointed to the contradictions of liberalism.

This is a good question to test your knowledge of historical facts, as the first four alternatives contain facts that never occurred or happened in years other than those mentioned. Thus, the letter "e" alludes to fascism and socialism that spread across the European continent after the conflict.

Question 9

(PUC-RS) Among the immediate political-economic developments in the international order produced by the First World War (1914-1918), it is correct to point out:

a) the end of France's customs privileges in trade with Germany.
b) the emergence of the United Nations, through the Treaty of Sevres.
c) the creation of Yugoslavia, as a result of political issues in the Balkans.
d) the annexation of Palestine, Syria and Iraq to the Ottoman Empire.
e) the incorporation of Hungary and Czechoslovakia into Austrian dominions.

Correct alternative:c) the creation of Yugoslavia, as a result of political issues in the Balkans.

The Kingdom of Yugoslavia was an attempt, albeit an artificial one, to hold the Balkan nations together. The letter "c" is the only answer with correct facts.

a) WRONG. There were no customs privileges between these countries and so they could not have run out.
b) WRONG. The United Nations will only emerge in the 1940s.
d) WRONG. The Ottoman Empire ended after World War I and these territories were not incorporated.
e) WRONG. The Austro-Hungarian Empire dissolved after the conflict and these regions became independent countries.

Question 10

(Mackenzie) At the end of the First World War, the victorious powers held Germany responsible for the war and a punitive treaty was imposed, the Treaty of Versailles, which had the following consequences:

a) degradation of liberal and democratic ideals, left-wing political upheavals - such as the Spartacist movement - economic crisis and unemployment.
b) weakening of national sentiments, militarization of the German state, economic recovery and incorporation of Gdansk.
c) annexation of the colonies of Togo and Cameroon, the affirmation of liberal and democratic ideals and the valorization of the German mark.
d) economic prosperity, German rearmament, dismemberment of Germany and strengthening of liberal parties.
e) emergence of the German Democratic Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany, strengthening of Nazism, militarism and reduction of unemployment.

Correct alternative:a) degradation of liberal and democratic ideals, left-wing political agitations - such as the Spartacist movement - economic crisis and unemployment.

Germany went through a period of economic and social crisis as it found itself responsible for the conflict. The only alternative that comes close to this answer is the letter "e", but the country would only be divided after the Second World War.

b) WRONG. After World War I, Germany saw its military forces being limited and succumbed to a deep economic crisis.
c) WRONG. Germany lost all of its colonies in Africa and its currency was devalued.
d) WRONG. The exact opposite of what was written happened.
e) WRONG. The German Democratic Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany emerged after World War II.

Question 11

Regarding Brazil's performance in the First World War, it is correct to say that:

a) Participated in decisive naval battles that directly influenced the outcome of the war, giving victory to the Triple Entente.
b) It was limited to the supply of agricultural supplies to the countries of the Triple Alliance.
c) The Brazilian government participated in patrol missions as well as sent nurses and doctors to help the Triple Entente.
d) It joined Germany and in return, this country financed Brazilian industrialization.

Correct alternative:c) The Brazilian government participated in patrol missions as well as sent nurses and doctors to help the Triple Entente.

Brazil entered the war on November 16, 1917, after the Germans sank Brazilian ships. In May 1918, Brazil sent aviators who would participate in reconnaissance missions, nurses, doctors and ships that would patrol the waters of the Atlantic.

a) WRONG. Brazil only entered the war in the last year and did not participate in decisive battles
b) WRONG. The country helped the Triple Entente and not the Triple Alliance.
d) WRONG. Brazil did not join Germany in the war, as this country had sunk Brazilian merchant ships.

Question 12

World War I was characterized by the use of various deadly technologies on the battlefield. Among which we can highlight:

a) chemical weapons
b) the repeating rifle
c) warships
d) hand grenade

Correct alternative:a) chemical weapons

Chemical weapons - especially gases - were used on European soil for the first time in this conflict. The other weapons mentioned in the other alternatives already existed before this war.

b) WRONG. The repeating rifle was invented in the second half of the 20th century. XIX.
c) WRONG. Vessels have been used in warfare since time immemorial.
d) WRONG. Perhaps the most confusing alternative, as the grenade was developed in 1915, in the midst of conflict. However, in Ancient China this weapon was already used in fights.

Question 13

The conflict of 1914-1918 left the following countries in opposing camps:

a) Germany, Austro-Hungarian Empire and France against England, Russia and the United States.
b) Germany, Russian Empire and Italy against England, Austro-Hungarian Empire and United States.
c) Germany, Italy and Austro-Hungarian Empire against England, Russia and France.
d) Germany, Italy and the Turkish-Ottoman Empire against England, Russia and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Correct alternative:c) Germany, Italy and Austro-Hungarian Empire against England, Russia and France.

In World War I, the world was divided into two blocks:

Triple Alliance - Germany, Italy and Austro-Hungarian Empire (later the Turkish-Ottoman Empire would enter here).

Triple Entente - England, Russia and France (in 1917, the United States would join these countries).

Question 14

Look carefully at the chart below:

The painting represents one of the European artistic avant-gardes, Futurism, which emerged on the continent in the first half of the 20th century. The work of Russian painter Natália Goncharova, made before the First World War, sums up a period of optimism, because:

a) exalts rural life to the detriment of urban life
b) portrays the speed and dynamism in an urban space.
c) idealizes the human figure and the landscape.
d) contains spirituality and social concern.

Correct alternative:b) speed, dynamism and vivid colors.

Futurism and various avant-garde currents, extolled speed, machines and big cities, in unbridled optimism before the conflict started in 1914.

a) WRONG. The painting does not exalt country life, as it is situated in the city.
c) WRONG. The human figure is not shown in an idealized way, even though it is not real. In any case, the "idealization" of the human figure is not a characteristic of the European avant-gardes.
d) WRONG. The picture does not portray either religiosity or social concern for the cyclist.

Question 15

One of the largest countries in the world, it was also one of the poorest and most undemocratic, and the government of Nicholas II was unable to contain civil uprisings. What is the relationship between World War I and the political events that took place in Russia between February and October 1917?

a) no relationship, as Russia was neutral during the conflict.
b) during the conflict, the Russians conquered several territories, encouraging the revolutionaries to seize power through the revolutions of 1917.
c) the Russian army was losing at the front and several officers began to conspire against the government, giving rise to the 1917 revolution.
d) pressure from western countries made Russia depose the monarchical government and replace it with a socialist republic.

Correct alternative:c) the Russian army was losing at the front and several officers began to conspire against the government, giving rise to the 1917 revolution.

The Russian army was devastated in relation to the other European armies and collected several defeats on the battlefield. This caused several soldiers to defect and generals to plan to overthrow the government along with the revolutionaries.

a) WRONG:Russia participated in the war with the Triple Alliance.
b) WRONG. As the Russians only lost, they did not conquer any territory. The 1917 revolutions were against the war and called for Russia's withdrawal from it.
d) WRONG. Western countries did not pressure the Russians to make a revolution against the monarchical government, as they were against a government with socialist characteristics.

World War I - All Matter

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