IB History War

Causes of WWI

Tensions in Europe escalated after Prussia's victory over France in 1870, leading to the formation of alliances, Germany's desire for empire, naval threats to Britain, the arms race, and the July Crisis of 1914.

Dreadnought

A type of battleship that emerged during the arms race before WWI, symbolizing the advancements in naval technology and the intensifying competition among European powers.

July Crisis (1914)

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand triggered a chain of events leading to WWI, with Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia, alliances forming, and Britain getting involved due to Germany's attack on France through Belgium.

Franco-Prussian War

A conflict from July 1870 to May 1871 where Germany's victory over France established Prussia as a major power, leading to territorial changes and setting the stage for future tensions in Europe.

Conservative Vs Liberal Powers

Europe was divided between conservative powers like Austro-Hungary and Russia, seeking to maintain the status quo, and liberal powers like France and the UK, advocating for popular involvement in politics and national identity.

Otto Von Bismarck

Chancellor of Germany from 1871 to 1890, known for his Realpolitik approach, efforts to unify Germany, and later dismissal by Wilhelm II, who shifted focus towards acquiring colonies and manipulating nationalist sentiments.

German Foreign Policy

The German Empire aimed to expand its colonial possessions and influence, leading to conflicts with Britain over territorial ambitions and the slogan "a place in the sun," reflecting Germany's aspirations for global power.

Bismarck

Known as "The Iron Chancellor" and "Europe's Greatest Statesman," he was an arch-conservative who introduced progressive reforms to achieve his goals.

Dreikaiserbund

A diplomatic alliance formed by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia to address the Great Eastern Crisis in the Balkans.

Dual Alliance

An alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary, agreeing to aid each other in case of war with Russia or remain neutral in conflicts with other powers.

Weltpolitik

A more aggressive foreign policy pursued by Bernhard Von Bülow, rejecting Bismarck's continental policy and aiming for global power.

Flottenpolitik

Naval policy in Germany, marked by the construction of a powerful navy to compete with Britain, leading to an arms race.

Boxer Rebellion

An anti-foreigner uprising in China, where the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists attacked foreigners and Christians, leading to international military intervention.

Scramble for Africa

The competition among European powers to colonize African territories, formalized at the Berlin Conference in 1884.

Imperialism

The expansion of empires for economic, political, and social reasons, often justified by notions of superiority and the "White Man's Burden."

Spark of WWI

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Gavrilo Princip, leading to a chain of events involving Austria-Hungary, Russia, Germany, and other European powers, ultimately triggering World War I.

Social Imperialism

A policy in Germany aimed at diverting the masses from social and political reform towards supporting the Kaiser and the elite, often through pressure groups like the Pan-German League.

Schlieffen Plan

A strategy developed in 1905 by Alfred von Schlieffen to avoid a two-front war by focusing on defeating France quickly before turning to Russia.

Trench Warfare

A defensive strategy adopted along the Western Front in WWI, involving complex trench networks to protect soldiers from shell fire and explosions.

Stalemate

A situation during WWI where neither side could make significant advances, often attributed to trench warfare, defensive positions, and worsening weather.

Battle of the Somme

A disastrous WWI battle in 1916 where British forces suffered heavy casualties due to failed artillery bombardment and strong German defenses.

Lions led by Donkeys

An expression used to criticize the leadership during WWI, referring to brave soldiers led by incompetent and unwise commanders.