Name _______________________
HWS pd ____
Date ____
Mrs. Hornstein
Interpreting Military Movements on Maps
Although wars begin over many different issues, they all end up as fights to control territory.
Because wars are basically fought over land, maps are particularly good tools for seeing the “big
picture” of a war. Make sure you understand the meanings of colors on the map as colors
represent different sides in the conflict. Also notice the symbols- these may include symbols for
battle sites, victories, types of military units and equipment. Study the arrows, which show the
direction of military movements. Because these movements occur over time, some maps give
dates showing when and where troops advanced and retreated. Once you have studied the key and
the map, follow the progress of the campaign that is shown. Notice where each side began, in
which direction it moved, where the two sides fought, and which side claimed victory.
1. In which direction did German troops advance into France?
2. On September 5, 1914, how far from Paris were the closest German troops?
3. Paris is located nearest the junction of which two rivers?
4. What does the map show about the trench warfare that began after September 5, 1914?
a. It allowed the Allies to free Belgium
b. It allowed the Allies to quickly regain the territory Germany had seized in France
c. It created a “no man’s land” along the river Marne
d. It moved the western front back toward Belgium very slowly
5. Which of the following statements is supported by the map?
a. The British played a major role in keeping the Germans out of Paris
b. After taking over Belgium, Germany was in a good position to attack France
c. Luxembourg had close political ties to the Central Powers
d. Fighting was especially fierce in England
6. The Allies gave up their defense of Belgium in order to defend Paris. Why was Paris so
important?
The Eastern Front
Red stars = Central Powers victory
Red arrows = Central Powers offensive
Red line = Central Powers invasion
Blue stars = Allied victory
Blue arrows = Allied victories
Blue line = original Allied line
7. Where did most of the fighting occur on this front?
8. Which side made the most significant advance?
9. Why was the 1917 armistice line drawn far to the east of that advance?
The Middle East in World War I
10. On which side did Arabia and Egypt fight? Why do you think this was so?
11. Who won the battle of the Dardanelles?
12. Describe the movement of the Central Powers offensive.
13. When did the Allied Powers win the most battles in the Middle East?
The Gallipoli Disaster, 1915
14. Why would gaining Gallipoli from the Central Powers be strategically advantageous to the
Allies?
15. The Allies lost this battle. Why was that a major setback?