Causes of World War I - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on the causes of World War I.

Militarism

A policy where a nation’s armed forces dominate national policy; the glorification of the military and buildup of weapons.

Arms race

A competition between nations to build up military strength, often shown by rising defense spending.

Defense expenditures (military spending)

Money spent by a government on the armed forces; example 1910–1914 shows France 10%, Britain 13%, Russia 39%, Germany 73%.

Schlieffen Plan

Germany’s plan to quickly defeat France by attacking through Belgium, using about 90% of forces on the western front to avoid a two-front war.

Two-front war

A war fought on two major fronts, typically against France in the west and Russia in the east.

Alliances

Formal agreements where nations pledge to defend each other if attacked; created blocs in Europe.

Triple Alliance

The alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

Triple Entente

The alliance of France, Russia, and Great Britain.

Entente Cordial

The 1904 agreement improving Anglo-French relations (not a formal defense alliance).

Anglo-Russian Agreement (1907)

Part of the Entente linking Britain and Russia against the Central Powers.

Nationalism

Pride in and loyalty to one’s nation; when aggressive, it increased tensions and competition in Europe.

Bosnian Crisis (1908)

Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia, angering Serbia; Russia backed Serbia; war was avoided when Russia backed down.

Balkan Wars (1911–1912)

Conflict in the Balkans where Balkan states expelled Turkey; Austria-Hungary intervened, heightening tensions with Serbia.

Imperialism

Domination by one country over others, driving competition for colonies and resources.

Moroccan Crises (1905 and 1911)

Germany challenged French influence in Morocco; Britain supported France; war was avoided but tensions rose.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The 1914 murder of the Austro-Hungarian heir in Sarajevo, sparking WWI.

Gavrilo Princip

Serbian nationalist who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Domino effect / Point of No Return

Austria-Hungary’s aggression toward Serbia, with German and Russian backing, leading to a chain of war declarations.

Austria-Hungary

Empire whose conflict with Serbia after Ferdinand’s assassination helped trigger WWI.

Serbia

Balkan country whose nationalism and conflict with Austria-Hungary contributed to WWI.

Germany

Central Power nation driving offensive plans (Schlieffen Plan) and declaring war on multiple fronts in 1914.

France

Major Allied Power; part of the Triple Entente and fought on the Western Front.

Great Britain

Key Allied Power; opposed the Central Powers and declared war after Germany invaded Belgium.

Russia

Part of the Allied side early in WWI; supported Serbia and mobilized against Austria-Hungary.

Ottoman Empire

Central Power nation that joined WWI and controlled parts of the Middle East and Balkans.