The Great War

Otto Von Bismarck

The mastermind behind the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungry, and later Italy.

Kaiser Wilhelm II

Ruler of Germany after Otto Von Bismarck, changed German foreign policy, focused on building a powerful navy.

Diplomacy

A skill in international relations using negotiations, trade, and talks.

Kaiser

German for Emperor.

Annexation

To forcibly add or take over another country or territory.

Stalemate

A standstill in action where neither side can gain the advantage.

Western Front

The battle zone on Germany’s western border with France.

Eastern Front

The arena along the German and Russian border.

Unrestricted submarine warfare

Germany would sink any ship in the waters around Great Britain without warning.

Total War

When a country's entire resources are utilized for the war effort.

Rationing

The practice of limiting the purchase of certain items needed for war effort.

Propaganda

Governmental efforts using one-sided information to persuade or maintain morale.

Triple Entente

An alliance of Russia, France, and Britain.

Triple Alliance

An alliance of Italy, Austria-Hungary, and Germany.

Schlieffen Plan

A Central Powers plan to quickly defeat France and then fight Russia.

Gallipoli Campaign

Allied plan to remove the Ottoman Empire and support Russia, which did not succeed.

Zimmerman Affair

Germany's secret telegram to Mexico proposing an alliance against the US.

Fourteen Points

Wilson’s proposals for peace, focusing on territorial issues and international alliances.

Paris Peace Conference

Meeting of the winners of World War I to sign peace treaties.

Cease-fire on November 11, 1918

The end of fighting in World War I before the peace treaty was signed.