GCSE History: Causes of the First World War

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the causes of the First World War, focusing on important terms, concepts, and events.

MAIN

A mnemonic for the four main causes of the First World War: Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism.

Militarism

The buildup of a nation's armed forces and weaponry, particularly noted in Germany and Britain prior to WWI.

Alliances

Agreements between countries to support each other in the event of war, such as the Triple Alliance and Triple Entente.

Imperialism

The competition among European nations to expand their empires, particularly in Africa during the late 19th century.

Nationalism

Patriotic feelings that developed in European countries, where nations sought to assert their superiority and independence.

Triple Alliance

An alliance formed in 1882 between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, known as the Central Powers.

Triple Entente

An alliance formed in 1907 between Britain, France, and Russia, aimed at countering the Triple Alliance.

The Schlieffen Plan

Germany's military plan to quickly defeat France and then focus on Russia, which ultimately failed, leading to a stalemate.

Entente Cordiale

The 1904 agreement between Britain and France to settle colonial disputes and improve relations.

Balkan Wars

Fought in 1912 and 1913, these conflicts increased tensions in Europe, with Serbia gaining power and land.

Moroccan Crises

Two international crises (1905, 1911) involving Germany's attempts to challenge French control in Morocco, leading to increased tensions.

Gavrilo Princip

Bosnian Serb nationalist who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, sparking the outbreak of the First World War.

Black Hand

A secret society that aimed to end Austro-Hungarian rule in Bosnia and was involved in the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand.

Ludendorff Offensive

A series of German attacks in 1918 aimed at achieving a decisive victory on the Western Front before American forces arrived.

Armistice

The agreement signed on 11 November 1918, ending hostilities on the Western Front and leading to the conclusion of the First World War.