The Causes of the First World War (Video Notes)

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the long-term and immediate causes of the First World War, including alliances, militarism, imperialism, major crises, and pivotal individuals.

Alliance

A formal agreement between two or more countries to help each other, often including military support.

Armaments

The stockpiling and development of weapons and military equipment by a country.

Balkans

Southwest Europe region where nationalist tensions rose; home to Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, and other Slavic peoples.

Conscription

Compulsory military service required by law for a certain period.

Dreadnought

A revolutionary class of battleship (introduced by Britain in 1906) that made earlier ships obsolete and intensified the naval arms race.

Empire

A group of territories and peoples controlled and ruled by a single sovereign power; linked to imperial competition.

Entente

A non-binding agreement or understanding to cooperate, often between major powers (e.g., preliminary steps toward alliance).

Heir

The person next in line to inherit a throne or title.

Imperialism

Policy of extending a country’s power and influence through colonies or control of other territories.

Isolated

Not having allies or being detached from the major alliance networks.

Militarism

A policy of building up armed forces and using military means to resolve problems.

Mobilisation

Preparing and assembling troops for war readiness and deployment.

Nationalism

A strong sense of loyalty to, and pride in, one’s nation, often with belief in its superiority.

Neutral

Not taking sides in a conflict; remaining uninvolved in the war.

Scrap of Paper

A phrase used to describe the Treaty of London (1839) guaranteeing Belgian neutrality, cited to show treaties could be disregarded in wartime.

Terrorist

A person who uses violence to achieve political aims (e.g., assassination of political figures).

Ultimatum

A final demand with a threat of serious consequences if not complied.

Triple Alliance

The military pact between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy (1882).

Triple Entente

The alliance among Britain, France, and Russia (formed in the early 1900s).

Entente Cordiale

The 1904 Anglo-French agreement resolving colonial disputes and improving relations.

Kaiser Wilhelm II

German Emperor who pursued expansion and a strong navy, heightening tensions with other powers.

Schlieffen Plan

Germany’s strategy to defeat France quickly by invading through Belgium, then turning to Russia.

First Moroccan Crisis (1905-06)

Kaiser’s challenge to French influence in Morocco; tested the Entente and pushed Britain and France closer.

Bosnian Crisis (1908-09)

Austria-Hungary’s annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina; Russia backed Serbia; Germany supported Austria, increasing tensions.

Agadir Crisis (1911)

Germany sent a gunboat to Morocco; Britain supported France; crisis intensified rivalries and pushed Britain–France closer.

Balkan Wars (1912-13)

Serbia-led Balkan League fought the Ottoman Empire, redrawing the map and heightening Austro-Hungarian–Serbian antagonism.

Archduke Franz-Ferdinand

Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne; his assassination in Sarajevo (1914) precipitated WWI.

Gavrilo Princip

Bosnian Serb nationalist who assassinated Archduke Franz-Ferdinand; member of the Black Hand.

Black Hand

Serbian secret society aiming to unite all Serbs; organized the assassination of the Archduke.