Pearson Edexcel IGCSE · History

A1 The origins and course of the First World War, 1905–18: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on A1 The origins and course of the First World War, 1905–18.

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Question 1

1 mark

Which factor was most significant in the United States' decision to abandon neutrality and enter the war on the side of the Allies in 1917?

Question 2

1 mark

Which of the following best explains why the Battle of Jutland (1916) resulted in a strategic victory for Britain, despite the Royal Navy suffering heavier losses in ships and personnel?

Question 3

1 mark

What was the primary strategic objective of the Schlieffen Plan as it was implemented in August 1914?

Question 4

1 mark

In the context of the Balkan Wars (1912–13), how did the Treaty of Bucharest affect the geopolitical standing of Serbia?

Question 5

1 mark

Which of the following best describes the outcome of the Second Moroccan Crisis (Agadir Incident) in 1911 regarding the relationship between the Great Powers?

Question 6

4 marks

Explain how the Bosnian Crisis of 1908–09 worsened relations between Austria-Hungary and Serbia, contributing to the growth of tension in Europe.

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Question 7

5 marks

How did the Ludendorff Spring Offensive of 1918 contribute to the collapse of German military morale and the ultimate success of the Allied "Hundred Days" drive to victory?

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Question 8

3 marks

Explain how the Triple Alliance (1882) fundamentally altered the strategic priorities of France, leading to the eventual formation of the Triple Entente.

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Question 9

3 marks

Before 1914, Europe was divided by a system of alliances.
a) Which three countries formed the Triple Alliance?
b) Explain one way in which imperial rivalry in Africa contributed to the growth of tension between the Great Powers.

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Question 10

5 marks

The Schlieffen Plan was designed to ensure a quick victory for Germany but ultimately led to a deadlock.
a) Describe two key reasons why the Schlieffen Plan failed in 1914.
b) Explain how the development of the trench system and new weapons, such as machine guns, contributed to the stalemate on the Western Front.
c) To what extent was General Haig responsible for the nature of the warfare seen at the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917?

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