Key Terms and Concepts from World War I and II

Entente

A friendly agreement or alliance between countries.

Stalemate

A situation where neither side can win or make progress.

Total War

A war where a country uses all its resources and people to fight.

Reparation

Money a country pays after a war to fix the damage it caused.

Militarism

The belief in building a strong military and being ready to use it.

Zeppelin

A large airship used mainly for bombing or spying during WWI.

Conscription

Required military service; being drafted into the army.

Proletariat

The working-class people, especially in Marxist theory.

Alsace and Lorraine

A region fought over by France and Germany.

U-Boat

A German submarine used in both World Wars.

Self-Determination

The right of people to choose their own government.

Soviet

A workers' or soldiers' council in the former Soviet Union.

Ultimatum

A final demand; if not met, it leads to serious consequences.

Convoy

A group of ships traveling together for protection.

Armistice

An agreement to stop fighting a war.

Cheka

The first Soviet secret police, used to stop opposition.

Mobilize

To prepare and organize troops for war.

Dardanelles

A narrow sea strait in Turkey important for trade and war.

Collective Security

Nations agreeing to protect each other from attacks.

Commissar

A Communist official in charge of political education and loyalty in the army.

Neutrality

Not taking sides in a conflict or war.

T.E. Lawrence

A British officer who helped Arab revolts against the Ottoman Empire.

Mandate

A territory controlled by another country after a war, under international supervision.

Vladimir Lenin

The leader of the Russian Revolution and founder of the Soviet Union.