World War I: Key Vocabulary, Battles, Causes, and Aftermath

Armistice

An agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting for a certain time; a truce.

Propaganda

Information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or point of view.

War of Attrition

A military strategy in which one side attempts to win by wearing down the other side through continuous losses in personnel and material.

Reparation

Compensation imposed during the peace treaty on a defeated country to cover the damages caused by war.

Neutrality

The state of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict or disagreement.

When was WWI?

World War I lasted from July 28, 1914, to November 11, 1918.

What is nationalism and how did it lead to war?

A strong identification with and pride in one's nation. It led to war by fostering competition and antagonism among nations, particularly in Europe, where ethnic groups sought independence or dominance.

Major countries in the Central Powers

Were Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.

Major countries in the Allied Powers

Included France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, and the United States.

How did WWI start?

After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on June 28, 1914, which triggered a series of alliances and conflicts among European powers.

Basics of the Western Front

Characterized by trench warfare, where soldiers faced harsh conditions and stalemates, primarily located in France and Belgium.

Battle of the Marne

A significant battle in 1914 where France & Britain halted the German advance into France, marking the beginning of trench warfare on the Western Front. German plan. 600 taxis to bring troops from Paris.

Battle of Verdun

A prolonged battle in 1916 between France and Germany, known for its high casualties and symbolizing French determination.

Battle of the Somme

A major battle in 1916 that aimed to relieve pressure on the French forces at Verdun, noted for its massive casualties and the introduction of the tank.

Reasons WWI was known as a New Kind of War

Due to the use of trench warfare, advanced weaponry like machine guns and tanks, and total war strategies involving entire nations.

Two major reasons the U.S. entered WWI

The unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany and the Zimmerman Telegram, which proposed a military alliance between Germany and Mexico.

What happened to Russia during WWI?

Faced severe military defeats, economic hardship, and social unrest, leading to the Russian Revolution in 1917 and its eventual withdrawal from the war.

What did the Treaty of Versailles do to Germany?

Imposed heavy reparations, territorial losses, military restrictions, and accepted guilt for the war on Germany.

How many were killed in WWI?

Approximately 16 million people during World War I, including both military personnel and civilians.

How many were wounded in WWI?

About 21 million people.

Economic cost of WWI

Cost of WWI was staggering, with Europe facing massive debts, destruction of infrastructure, and a shift in economic power to the United States.

How did the war economically affect Europe and Germany?

The war devastated European economies, particularly Germany, which faced hyperinflation, unemployment, and loss of industrial capacity due to reparations.

How did the war economically affect the United States?

Experienced an economic boom during the war due to increased production and exports, leading to a rise in its global economic power.

How did the war economically affect colonies?

Were exploited for resources and manpower, leading to economic strain and changes in colonial policies post-war.

How did the war economically affect Russia?

Collapse due to war expenditures, leading to food shortages and contributing to the Russian Revolution.

What factors caused World War I to drag on for years?

Included trench warfare leading to stalemates, the mobilization of entire nations, and the complexity of alliances, which prolonged the conflict and resulted in significant global changes.