The First World War — Life in the UK Test practice questions
These practice questions cover The First World War, part of the A long and illustrious history chapter of the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. The correct answer and a clear explanation sit under every question.
Practice questions
When did the First World War end?
- 28 July 1914
- 11.00 pm on 10 November 1918
- ✓ 11:00 a.m. on 11 November 1918 — Correct answer
- 6 June 1944
The First World War ended at 11:00 a.m. on 11 November 1918, when the armistice took effect. Britain and its allies won the war.
Which countries were later added to the Allied Powers in the First World War?
- ✓ Greece, Italy, Romania and the United States — Correct answer
- Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa
- Austria, Germany, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire
- Belgium, Serbia, Russia and France
Later in the war, Greece, Italy, Romania and the United States joined the Allied Powers. The main Allied countries also included France, Russia, Japan, Belgium and Serbia.
Which of these was one of the causes that set the conditions for the First World War?
- The discovery of oil in the North Sea
- The formation of the European Union
- ✓ Increasing militarism — Correct answer
- The breakup of the British Empire
Increasing militarism was one of the causes of the First World War. Nationalism, imperialism and the division of Europe into two camps were also important.
About how many British casualties were caused by the attack on the Somme on the first day?
- About 100,000
- About 25,000
- ✓ About 60,000 — Correct answer
- About 6,000
The Battle of the Somme in July 1916 caused about 60,000 British casualties on the first day alone. It was one of the major battles of the First World War.
What was the main effect of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria?
- It helped increase tensions in Europe before the war
- It began the Battle of Britain
- It helped bring about the end of the First World War
- ✓ It set off a chain of events leading to the First World War — Correct answer
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria set off a chain of events that quickly led to the First World War. It was the immediate trigger for the conflict, rather than a cause of the later Battle of Britain.
What event on 28 June 1914 helped trigger the First World War?
- The start of the Blitz
- The invasion of Poland
- ✓ The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria — Correct answer
- The signing of the peace treaty in Ireland
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated on 28 June 1914. That set off a chain of events leading to the First World War.