WWI Vocabulary: Alliances, U.S. Entry, and Peace Treaties

Militarism

Building military power to defend or promote national interests.

Nationalism

Countries & ethnic groups placed their interest above others.

Triple Alliance

Germany, Austria-Hungary, & Italy.

Triple Entente

Russia, France, & Great Britain.

Franz Ferdinand

Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne; his assassination triggered WWI.

Trench warfare

Both sides built protected networks across the Western Front to battle.

Lusitania

A British passenger ship that was sunk, ending their policy of neutrality.

Zimmermann Telegram

Message sent by Arthur Zimmermann revealing a plan for an alliance with Mexico & Japan if the U.S. declared war on Germany.

Selective Service Act

Authorized the federal government to temporarily expand the military through conscription.

AEF

The U.S. Armed Forces sent to Europe during WWI.

John J. Pershing

An American general and founder of the Pershing Rifles.

Espionage & Sedition Acts

U.S. federal laws passed during WWI against anti-war opposition, military draft, and spy activities.

Fourteen Points

A statement of principles by President Woodrow Wilson outlining a blueprint for a fair & lasting peace after WWI.

League of Nations

An international organization that provides help resolving international disputes.

Treaty of Versailles

Ratified peace terms between Germany & the allied powers (U.S., France, Great Britain, Italy).

Henry Cabot Lodge

An American politician who opposed the U.S. joining the League of Nations.

Armistice

Temporary stopping of open acts of warfare by agreement between the opponents.

Isolationism

The idea of avoiding foreign entanglements.