World History Overview: WWI and Interwar Period

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key themes and events surrounding World War I, the Russian Revolution, the rise of totalitarianism, and cultural changes during the interwar period.

Militarism

The glorification of military power and the expansion of military capabilities by European nations.

Alliances

Agreements between nations to provide mutual support; in WWI, they included the Triple Alliance and Triple Entente.

Imperialism

The competition for colonies that created international tensions, particularly among Britain, France, and Germany.

Nationalism

Intense national pride that led to public support for war, particularly in the Balkans with Slavic nationalism.

Schlieffen Plan

Germany's military strategy to quickly defeat France before turning to fight Russia in WWI.

The Black Hand

A Serbian nationalist group responsible for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Trench warfare

A form of combat in WWI characterized by deep trenches, horrific conditions, and high casualties.

Total War

A war strategy where all societal resources are mobilized, with governments taking control of economies and using propaganda.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that ended WWI, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.

War Guilt Clause (Article 231)

A clause in the Treaty of Versailles that forced Germany to accept blame for WWI.

Russian Revolution

A series of events in 1917 that led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the rise of the Bolsheviks.

Bolsheviks

The faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party led by Lenin that seized power in the October Revolution.

Stalinism

The political system under Joseph Stalin characterized by totalitarian control, industrialization, and repressive policies.

Amritsar Massacre

The 1919 incident where British troops killed hundreds of Indian protesters, leading to widespread national outrage.

Great Depression

A severe worldwide economic downturn that began with the U.S. stock market crash in October 1929.

Fascism

A political ideology that emphasizes authoritarian nationalism and often uses violence to suppress opposition.

Kristallnacht

A violent pogrom against Jews in November 1938, marking a significant escalation in Nazi persecution.

Blitzkrieg

A military tactic used by Germany in WWII that involves quick and decisive attacks to overwhelm an enemy.

The Holocaust

The genocide during WWII in which six million Jews and millions of others were systematically killed by the Nazi regime.

Lost Generation

A group of American writers in the 1920s who were disillusioned by the aftermath of WWI.

Modernism

A cultural movement that reacted to the trauma of WWI and technological change, characterized by new forms of art and literature.