Causes and Key Events of World War I

Militarism

Militarism

A nation's armed forces come to dominate a country

Alliances

Signed agreements to protect one another in case of conflict

Triple Entente

France, Britain, Russia

Triple Alliance

Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy

Nationalism

Pride in one's nation turned aggressive, leading to international aggression

Imperialism

Dominance of one country over another through various means

Assassination

The spark that initiated WW1, involving the killing of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Heir to the Austria throne who was assassinated

Total War

Unrestricted war in numbers, weapons, objectives, involving civilians and mass economic focus

Schlieffen Plan

German strategy to defend against France and Russia, involving Belgium and France

Trenches

Elaborate systems with barbed wire, machine guns, and tunnels used in WW1

Trench Foot

Fungal infection causing swelling in soldiers' feet during trench warfare

No Man's Land

Area between opposing trenches filled with obstacles and hazards

Conscription

Mandatory drafting of young men into the military

War Bonds

Government-issued bonds to fund war efforts, repaid with interest

Weapons factories

Industrial sites converted to produce war supplies like weapons and ammunition

Agriculture

Expanded production to feed soldiers and allies during wartime

Rationing

Controlled distribution of essential goods to ensure adequate supply for the military

Women in the Workforce

Increased female participation in industries due to men serving in the war

Artillery shells

Used to destroy enemy barbed wire in trench warfare

Planes

Utilized for reconnaissance and identifying enemy positions in WW1

War of attrition

A prolonged conflict aiming to wear down the enemy's resources and will to fight

Chlorine Gas

Chemical weapon mixed with explosives, first used in Battle of Ypres

Shells and Grenades

Weapons created to attack 'no man's land' and trenches

Machine Gun

Weapon that changed warfare, used from trenches in WW1

Tank

Introduced by British in WW1, broke stalemate in battles

War of Attrition

WW1 prolonged by advanced weaponry, changing warfare nature

Victory Bonds

Investments to support government and soldiers

Patriotism

Used to encourage purchase of Victory Bonds

Income Tax

Tax on individuals' income and business profits

Canada's Reason for War

Initially joined due to British control and ties

Roles of Women in WW1

Varied roles supporting war efforts

Propaganda

Spreading ideas to influence support

Conscription Crisis

Debate over mandatory military service

War Measures Act

Gave Canadian govt extensive powers in WW1

Russian Revolution Impact

Shifted focus in WW1, inspired socialist movements

US Involvement Impact

Tipped balance in favor of Allies in WW1

Treaty of Versailles

Ended WW1 with reparations and restrictions

Red Baron

Top flying ace of WW1 with 80 kills

Billy Bishop

Top flying ace of the Allies with 72 kills

Marne

Battle with 500,000 casualties and flanking attempts

Ypres

Battle where chlorine gas was first used

Verdun

Deadliest battle with 1,000,000 deaths in WW1

Somme

Battle where Canadians captured Regina Trench

Vimy Ridge

Battle where Canadian troops used meticulous barrage tactics

Passchendaele

Battle where Canada gained key positions with heavy casualties