World War II Key Terms

Alliances

A complex web of agreements obligating nations to militarily support their allies in case of war. These alliances, particularly the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) and the Triple Entente (Britain, France, and Russia), drew many nations into WWI.

Militarism

The glorification of military power and preparedness for war. This fueled an arms race between European nations in the early 20th century.

Imperialism

The policy of extending a nation's power and control over other countries and territories. Competition for colonies and resources contributed to tensions between European nations.

Nationalism

An intense devotion to one's nation and its interests. This often led to competition and hostility between different national groups.

Balkanization

The process of dividing a region into smaller, often hostile, states based on ethnicity or nationality. The complex ethnic makeup of the Balkans, particularly in Austria-Hungary, was a major source of instability.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne was assassinated in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, by a Serbian nationalist. This event triggered a chain reaction of events that led to war.

Schlieffen Plan

Germany's pre-emptive strike strategy aimed at defeating France quickly through Belgium before Russia could fully mobilize.

Battle of Marne

A decisive French victory in September 1914 that halted the German advance and led to a stalemate on the Western Front.

Trench Warfare

A brutal form of combat characterized by opposing sides facing each other from fortified trenches separated by no man's land. This resulted in long periods of attrition warfare with heavy casualties.

Battle of Verdun

A long and costly battle in 1916 where both sides suffered immense losses. It became a symbol of French determination and German ruthlessness.

Battle of Somme

A major Anglo-French offensive in 1916 that resulted in the highest number of casualties in a single day of fighting in the entire war.

Eastern Front

The battlefront on the eastern borders of Germany and Austria-Hungary against Russia and, later, the Soviet Union. It was characterized by large-scale maneuvers and high casualties.

Gallipoli Campaign

A failed Allied attempt to capture the Ottoman capital, Constantinople, in 1915-1916. This campaign is remembered for the courage of the ANZAC troops (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps).

Lusitania

A British passenger ship sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, killing nearly 1200 civilians, including over 100 Americans. This helped turn American public opinion against Germany.

Zimmermann Telegram

A decoded German message intercepted by the British in 1917, proposing an alliance with Mexico against the United States. This further inflamed anti-German sentiment in the U.S.

United States entry into WWI

The U.S. declared war on Germany in April 1917, tipping the balance of power in favor of the Allies.

Machine Gun

A rapid-fire weapon that caused devastating casualties in trench warfare.

Tanks

Armored vehicles first used by the British in 1916 to break through trench lines.

Poison Gas

Chemical weapons like chlorine and mustard gas were first used by Germany in 1915, causing horrific injuries and deaths. Their use was condemned by the international community.

Airplanes

Used for reconnaissance, bombing, and dogfighting, marking the beginning of aerial warfare.

Submarines (U-boats)

German underwater vessels used for unrestricted warfare, sinking Allied ships and disrupting their trade.

Armistice

An agreement to stop fighting, formally ending the hostilities of WWI on November 11, 1918, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Compiègne Forest

The location in France where the Armistice was signed between Germany and the Allied forces.

Treaty of Versailles

The formal peace treaty signed in June 1919 that officially ended WWI and imposed harsh penalties on Germany, which many believe contributed to the rise of World War II.

Fourteen Points

A peace proposal outlined by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson calling for self-determination, free trade, and disarmament.

League of Nations

An international organization formed after WWI with the goal of maintaining peace through collective security, but ultimately proved ineffective in preventing World War II.