World War I Civilians and Military Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, coalitions, phases, and concepts of World War I based on lecture material.

Empires centraux (Central Powers)

Coalition formed by the German Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Kingdom of Bulgaria, opposed to the Entente.

Entente (The Allies)

Coalition initially formed by France, the United Kingdom, and Tsarist Russia under Tsar Nicolas II, joined in 1915 by Italy, and later by the USA, Portugal, Greece, Libya, and Romania.

Guerre des tranchées (Trench Warfare)

Phase of war during which combatants shelter in lines dug into the ground that are more or less fortified for protection, opposing the war of movement.

Guerre de mouvement (War of Movement)

Phase of warfare where priority is given to offensives in order to force the enemy to retreat.

Mutinerie (Mutiny)

Revolt of soldiers against military authority, generally taking the form of a refusal to fight, which notably broke out on the front lines in 1917.

Armistice

Agreement for the cessation of combats between two enemy countries, signed notably between Germany and France at Rethondes on November 11, 1918.

Poilu

Nickname given to the French combatants of 1914–1918, who suffered from harsh conditions, mud, and lack of hygiene on the front line.

Violence de masse (Mass Violence)

Type of violence aimed at killing or inflicting suffering upon the largest possible number of people.

Gueules Cassées

Term designating soldiers who suffered severe facial mutilations and disfigurements during the war.

Russian Revolution of October 1917

Event leading to peace negotiations between Germany and Russia, causing Russia to cease fighting and allowing Germany to transfer troops to the Western Front.

US Entry into WWI (April 1917)

The entry of the United States into the war on the side of the Entente, shifting the balance of power favorably for the Allies.

Battle of Verdun

Major WWI battle taking place from February to December 1916, exemplifying trench warfare and the failed German attempt to break through the front.