U.S Midterm Part

M.A.I.N. causes of WWI

Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism - the four main factors leading to the outbreak of World War I.

Militarism

The buildup of large armies and stockpiling of weapons by European nations, increasing tensions.

Alliances

Rival agreements between countries (Triple Alliance vs. Triple Entente) that pulled multiple nations into conflict.

Imperialism

The competition among nations for overseas colonies, resulting in conflicts and tensions.

Nationalism

Strong pride in one's nation that led to aggressive actions and conflicts, particularly in Balkan regions.

Balkans

A region of intense nationalism and political unrest central to the conflict that sparked WWI.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The event on June 28, 1914, that ignited World War I, carried out by Gavrilo Princip.

Allied Powers

Countries that fought against the Central Powers, including France, Britain, Russia, Italy, the U.S., and others.

Central Powers

The coalition of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria during WWI.

Schlieffen Plan

Germany's military strategy to quickly defeat France and then turn to fight Russia, avoiding a two-front war.

Stalemate

A situation in WWI where neither side could gain significant ground due to trench warfare.

New technologies in WWI

Developments such as machine guns, poison gas, tanks, airplanes, submarines, barbed wire, and flamethrowers.

Unrestricted submarine warfare

Germany's naval policy that led to the sinking of ships and significantly upset the U.S. before entry into the war.

Zimmerman Telegram

A secret proposal from Germany to Mexico urging an attack on the U.S., which pushed America toward war.

Espionage and Sedition Acts

U.S. laws passed during WWI to silence criticism of the war and dissent against government policies.

War Industries Board

U.S. government agency that coordinated production and regulated industries to support military efforts.

Propaganda campaigns

Efforts by the U.S. government to influence public opinion in favor of the war through various media.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that ended WWI, imposing heavy penalties on Germany for its role in the conflict.

League of Nations

An international organization established after WWI to promote peace and prevent future wars.

Creditor Nation

A country that lends more money to other nations than it borrows; the U.S. became a creditor nation post-WWI.

Red Scare

Fear of communism in the U.S. following the Russian Revolution, leading to widespread fear and paranoia.

Sacco and Vanzetti

Italian anarchists whose controversial trial and execution reflected anti-immigrant bias in America.

Palmer Raids

Government actions to arrest and deport suspected radicals during the Red Scare, often without proper evidence.