Causes of the First World War: Imperialism and Armaments

Vocabulary flashcards covering key topics, events, ships, and naval developments leading up to the First World War based on the lecture notes.

British Imperialism

An imperial power focused on maintaining and expanding trade by exploiting resources in colonies like India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Egypt, South Africa, Caribbean Islands, and parts of Africa, backed by the world's largest navy.

Franco-Prussian War (1870)

A war after which a mad race for armaments began among major powers stockpiling weapons in the name of self-defence and preservation of peace.

Imperator

A ship built by Germany in 1912 that was the largest in the world.

Kiel Canal

A waterway dug deeper by the Germans so that their battleships could enter its waters, raising concerns in Britain and France over Germany's growing military strength.

Race for Armaments

The competitive stockpiling of weapons by European powers initiated after 1870, driven by fear, apprehension, and mutual hatred.