Unit 6: World War I (The Great War)

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and terminology related to World War I.

Turning Point

An idea, event, or action that causes direct or indirect change.

M.A.N.I.A.

A mnemonic stand for the causes of World War I: Militarism, Alliances, Nationalism, Imperialism, Assassination.

Militarism

The buildup of European militaries at increasing rates prior to World War I.

Alliances

Agreements between countries to support each other in times of conflict; central to the outbreak of World War I.

Triple Alliance

Military alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

Triple Entente

Military alliance between Russia, France, and Great Britain.

Nationalism

A strong sense of pride and loyalty to one’s nation that contributed to tensions leading to World War I.

Imperialism

Competition among countries for colonial dominance and resources that heightened tensions before the war.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The event that triggered the start of World War I when Gavrilo Princip shot the Archduke and his wife.

Schlieffen Plan

Germany's military strategy to defeat France quickly before turning to fight Russia in the east.

Battle of the Somme

One of the bloodiest battles of World War I that resulted in over one million casualties.

Gallipoli Campaign

An Allied military campaign in WWI aimed at securing a sea route to Russia through the Dardanelles.

Armenian Genocide

The systematic killing and deportation of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during WWI.

Zimmerman Telegram

A secret diplomatic communication from Germany proposing a military alliance with Mexico against the U.S.

Brest-Litovsk Treaty

The treaty that marked Russia's withdrawal from World War I.

Armistice

An agreement to stop fighting; in WWI, it marked the end of hostilities at 11 am on November 11, 1918.