Militarism and World War I

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to Militism and World War I, including significant events, legislation, and figures discussed during the lecture.

Militarism

The belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests.

World War I

A global war originating in Europe that lasted from 1914 to 1918, also known as the Great War.

Allied Powers

The countries that opposed the Central Powers in World War I, including France, Britain, Russia, and later the U.S.

Central Powers

The coalition of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria during World War I.

Neutrality

The state of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict or disagreement.

Propaganda

Information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or point of view.

Espionage Act of 1917

A United States federal law passed in June 1917 that prohibited interference with military operations or support of U.S. enemies during wartime.

Sedition Act of 1918

An amendment to the Espionage Act that made it illegal to communicate any disloyal or abusive language about the U.S. government.

Selective Service Act of 1917

The legislation that established the draft for military service during World War I.

Zimmerman Telegram

A secret diplomatic communication sent by Germany to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the United States in 1917.

Lusitania

A British ocean liner that was sunk by a German submarine in 1915, influencing public opinion in the United States against Germany.

Labor Unrest

A situation where workers express dissatisfaction with their conditions, often leading to strikes and protests.

First Red Scare

A period of intense fear of communism and radical leftism in the United States, particularly after World War I.

War Bonds

Debt securities issued to finance military operations during times of war.

Mobilization

The process of preparing and organizing troops and military resources for active service.

Propaganda Committee on Public Information

A government agency aimed at influencing public opinion on the war, created by Executive Order in 1917.

Emma Goldman

An activist, writer, and feminist known for her opposition to World War I and the U.S. draft.

Schenk v. United States

A Supreme Court case which upheld the Espionage Act and defined the limits of free speech during wartime.

Repression

The act of subduing someone or something by force, often seen in political contexts.

Casualties

Persons killed or injured in a war or accident.

Trench Warfare

A type of combat in which soldiers engage in prolonged battles from fortified trenches.

League of Nations

An intergovernmental organization founded as a result of the Treaty of Versailles to prevent further wars.

Reparations

Compensation imposed during the Paris Peace Conference on a defeated state to pay for damages caused during a war.

Mob Violence

Violent actions taken by a group of people against individuals or institutions.

Civil Liberties

The rights and freedoms that provide an individual with specific rights and protections from the government.

Dissent

The expression of opinions that differ from those commonly or officially held.

Home Front

The civilian sector of a nation at war, particularly as it relates to the support of the military.

Public Support

The backing or affirmation of government policies by the general populace.

Economic Causes of War

Factors related to trade, economics, and financial interests that contribute to the onset of conflict.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

A type of naval warfare in which submarines sink vessels without warning.

Censorship

The suppression of speech, public communication, or other information deemed objectionable.

Anti-War Activism

Public opposition to a particular conflict or war, often organized through rallies, protests, and literature.

Socialist Party

A political party in the United States that promotes socialist economic and political theories.

Rationing

A system of controlling the amount of food, resources, or goods that individuals can use or purchase during wartime.

Immigrant Communities

Neighborhoods or social groups where individuals share a common ancestry or cultural background, often formed by immigrants.

Paris Peace Conference

The meeting of the Allied victors after World War I to set the peace terms for the defeated Central Powers.

Militarization

The process by which a society organizes itself for military conflict and violence.

Bolshevik Revolution

The 1917 revolution in Russia that led to the establishment of a communist government.