history ww1

Militarism

Every country aimed for a bigger army, navy, and the biggest fighting power.

Alliances

Typically, if your ally went to war, you would have to follow suit, regardless of the reason. Alliances were formed to provide mutual support and deter aggression, playing a crucial role in the onset of World War I. They often involved complex agreements that could include military support, economic cooperation, and political alliances. The interweaving of these alliances created a web of obligations that contributed to the rapid escalation of conflict, as countries felt compelled to honor their commitments to allies.

Imperialism

Stronger countries wanting power over weaker countries.

Nationalism

Devotion and strong belief in one's country or nation.

Triple Entente // allied powers

An alliance between France, Russia, and Great Britain.

Triple Alliance // Central Powers

Pre-war treaty between Austria-Hungary, Germany, Italy, and the Ottoman Empire.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Prince of Austria-Hungary and heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. His assassination on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Bosnian Serb nationalist group known as the Black Hand, was a pivotal event that catalyzed the outbreak of World War I. The assassination was motivated by nationalist sentiments among Slavic groups and resulted in Austria-Hungary issuing an ultimatum to Serbia, ultimately leading to a series of alliances being activated and a global conflict.

Neutrality

Not picking a side in a debate or war.

Lusitania

A British-owned steamship torpedoed by a German U-boat, killing 1,195 people, including 128 Americans. he vessel was carrying both passengers and munitions, which Germany used to justify the attack. The incident played a crucial role in shifting U.S. sentiment towards entering the war

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

Germany's policy of sinking any ships in their waters, leading to tensions with the U.S.

Zimmerman Telegram

A communication from Germany to Mexico offering assistance in regaining Texas if Mexico helped defeat the U.S.

Liberty Bonds

Citizens loan money to the government during the war, which they could cash in afterward.

Selective Service Act 1917

A law requiring men to register for military service.

Espionage and Sedition Acts

Laws prohibiting anyone from speaking ill of the U.S.

Schenck v United States

A case involving the arrest of an individual spreading anti-draft materials, challenging the First Amendment.

Armistice

A truce stopping a war.

Woodrow Wilson

The creator of the 14 Point Plan for world peace following World War I.

14 Points Plan

The 14 Points Plan was proposed by President Woodrow Wilson in January 1918 as a framework for achieving lasting peace after World War I. It outlined a vision for a just world order, emphasizing principles such as self-determination for nations, open diplomacy, free trade, disarmament, and the establishment of the League of Nations to promote cooperation and prevent future conflicts. Wilson's plan sought to limit punishments on Germany to foster reconciliation and stability in Europe, advocating for fair treatment rather than harsh reparations. The 14 Points were intended to address the causes of the war and create a new international order based on collective security and mutual respect among nations.

Self-Determination

The principle that people should have the right to decide their own political status.

Paris Peace Conference

Meeting of winning sides to determine the punishment for losing sides, especially Germany.

Treaty of Versailles

The treaty that blamed Germany for the war, imposing reparations and territorial losses.

League of Nations

An organization aimed at promoting world peace.

Isolationism

A policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups, especially international affairs.