World War I Vocabulary

Flashcards covering the causes of World War I and key warring parties

Militarism

The belief in building a strong military and being ready to use it. European countries raced to grow their armies and navies, making war more likely.

Alliances

Formal agreements between nations to support one another in conflict. They turned a small conflict into a world war, such as the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente.

Imperialism

When powerful countries control weaker territories or colonies. Competition for colonies led to global tension, especially in Africa and Asia.

Nationalism

Intense pride in your nation or ethnic group. It caused ethnic groups to want independence and led nations to be aggressive, causing unrest in places like the Balkans.

Belligerents

Nations or groups involved in fighting during a war. In WWI, the Allied Powers fought the Central Powers, making it a global conflict.