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First World War
A major global conflict that began in 1914 and ended in 1918, resulting in significant loss of life and political upheaval.
Nationalism
An intense form of patriotism that promotes the interests of a particular nation, often leading to conflict.
Fischer Thesis
The argument that Germany was primarily responsible for the outbreak of the First World War.
Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne whose assassination in 1914 triggered the start of World War I.
The Black Hand
A secret nationalist organization responsible for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
Blank Cheque
Germany's unconditional support for Austria-Hungary after the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, which encouraged military action.
Triple Alliance
A military alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy formed in 1882.
Triple Entente
The alliance between Britain, France, and Russia, established as a counterbalance to the Triple Alliance.
June Crisis
The diplomatic and military crisis following the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, leading to the outbreak of war.
Militarism
The belief in building up strong armed forces to prepare for war.
Imperialism
The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.
Austro-Hungarian Ultimatum
A set of demands sent to Serbia by Austria-Hungary after the assassination, leading to the escalation of tensions.
Chain Reaction
The series of events that unfolded after the assassination, resulting in the declaration of war by multiple nations.
Balkans Crisis
The geopolitical tensions in the Balkans in the early 20th century that contributed to the outbreak of World War I.
Alsace-Lorraine
Territory annexed by Germany from France following the Franco-Prussian War, causing lasting French resentment.
War of Attrition
A military strategy of wearing down the enemy to the point of collapse through continuous losses in personnel and material.
Lusitania
A British ocean liner sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, contributing to the United States joining the war.
Schlieffen Plan
Germany's military plan for a two-front war against France and Russia, which ultimately failed.
Total War
A war strategy that involves using all of a nation's resources and targeting civilians as well as military personnel.
Technological Advancements in WWI
Innovations such as tanks, machine guns, and chemical warfare that drastically changed warfare.
Battle of the Somme
One of the largest battles of World War I, known for its high casualty rates and introduction of tanks.
Western Front
The main theatre of war during World War I, characterized by trench warfare and stalemate.
Eastern Front
The theatre of conflict along the German and Russian empires during World War I.
Armistice
An agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting; the Armistice of November 11, 1918, ended WWI.
Versailles Treaty
The peace treaty that officially ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations on Germany.
Territorial Changes Post-WWI
Redrawing of national boundaries in Europe and the Middle East after WWI, contributing to future conflicts.
Economic Impact of WWI
The war caused severe economic hardships, particularly in Germany, due to blockades and reparations.
Reparations
Compensation imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles for the damage caused during WWI.
Social Darwinism
A belief that the strongest nations were destined to dominate weaker ones, influencing imperialistic policies.
Civilians in War
Non-combatants who were directly affected by military strategies and war, often targeted during total war.
Diplomatic Failures
Ineffective negotiations and communication among countries that contributed to the escalation of WWI.
Gavilo Princip
The assassin of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose actions ignited the First World War.
Russian Mobilization
The mobilization of Russian forces in response to Austria-Hungary's declaration of war on Serbia.
US Entry into WWI
The United States joined the war in 1917, primarily due to unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany.
Naval Warfare in WWI
The use of naval power, including blockades and U-boats, significantly influenced the outcome of the war.
Chemical Warfare
The use of toxic chemical agents in warfare first widely employed during World War I.
Military Technology
Advancements in weaponry and tactics that changed traditional concepts of battle during WWI.
Propaganda in War
Information, often biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or point of view during the war.
Military Alliances
Agreements between nations to provide mutual support in case of conflict, which escalated WWI.
Bolshevik Revolution
The 1917 revolution in Russia that led to the withdrawal of Russian troops from WWI.
War Guilt Clause
Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles, which placed full blame for the war on Germany.
Colonial Rivalries
Conflicts between European powers over territories in Africa and Asia, contributing to tensions leading to WWI.
Historiography of WWI
The study and interpretation of World War I, reflecting on differing viewpoints and analyses.
Political Instability
Unrest and lack of continuity in governmental power that affected countries' readiness for war.
International Relations Pre-WWI
The complex web of alliances, tensions, and national interests that set the stage for WWI.
Chain of Events
The series of interconnected events that led from the assassination of Franz Ferdinand to the global conflict.
Northern Front
The front of the war involving the battles primarily fought in the Julian Alps and the Adriatic region.
Militarization of Society
The process where civilian societies begin to adopt military values and structures in preparation for war.
Cultural Impact of WWI
The effects of WWI on art, literature, and collective consciousness, shaping post-war dialogues.
June 28, 1914
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo, which triggered the outbreak of World War I.
July 23, 1914
Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia in response to the assassination.
July 28, 1914
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, officially starting World War I.
August 1, 1914
Germany declared war on Russia, escalating the conflict.
August 3, 1914
Germany declared war on Belgium as part of the Schlieffen Plan.
August 4, 1914
Britain declared war on Germany after its invasion of Belgium.
November 11, 1918
The Armistice was signed, ending fighting in World War I.
June 28, 1919
The Treaty of Versailles was signed, officially ending World
Significance of the Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
The assassination is seen as the immediate catalyst for World War I, setting off a chain reaction of alliances and hostilities among the major powers of Europe.
Impact on Austria-Hungary's Policies
The assassination led Austria-Hungary to issue an ultimatum to Serbia, which escalated tensions and ultimately resulted in war.
Influence on Nationalism
The assassination highlighted nationalist sentiments across Europe, fueling desires for independence among various ethnic groups within empires.
Role in the July Crisis
The assassination triggered the July Crisis, a series of diplomatic failures and mobilizations that ultimately resulted in the outbreak of World War I.
Precedent for Future Conflicts
The events surrounding the assassination and subsequent war set a precedent for future geopolitical conflicts and the importance of international diplomacy.
Blank Cheque
Germany's unconditional support for Austria-Hungary after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which encouraged military action.
Impact of the Blank Cheque
The Blank Cheque was a significant factor that emboldened Austria-Hungary to issue an ultimatum to Serbia, leading to the escalation of tensions that resulted in WWI.
Historical Context of the Blank Cheque
The Blank Cheque was issued in the context of rising nationalism and militarism in Europe, which contributed to the volatile political landscape prior to WWI.
Consequences of the Blank Cheque
The Blank Cheque led to a chain reaction of mobilizations and declarations of war as it exacerbated the existing alliances and tensions among the great powers.
Serbia's Response to the Austro-Hungarian Ultimatum
Serbia accepted most of the demands presented in the ultimatum from Austria-Hungary but rejected those that infringed on its sovereignty.
Declaration of War
After Serbia's response was deemed unsatisfactory by Austria-Hungary, they declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914, officially beginning WWI.
Public Sentiment in Serbia
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the subsequent ultimatum fueled nationalist sentiments in Serbia and widespread support for military action.
Russia's Support for Serbia
Serbia sought the support of Russia, which identified as a Slavic brotherhood, leading to increased tensions when Russia began mobilizing its forces.
Economic Causes of WWI
Competition for resources and markets among industrial powers, contributing to tensions and rivalries.
Ideological Causes of WWI
Nationalism and Social Darwinism, which promoted the belief in the superiority of certain nations and justified imperialistic ambitions.
Political Causes of WWI
Entangled alliances, militarism, and national interests that created a volatile international landscape.
Territorial Causes of WWI
Disputes over territories, such as Alsace-Lorraine, and imperial ambitions that exacerbated tensions among European powers.
Land Technology Development
Advancements in technology related to land warfare, including tanks, armored vehicles, and mobile artillery systems.
Air Technology Development
Innovations in aviation and aerial combat, including fighter planes, bombers, and reconnaissance aircraft.
Sea Technology Development
Improvements in naval warfare technology, such as submarines, aircraft carriers, and advanced weaponry for ships.
Impact of Land Technology on Warfare
The development of armored vehicles and tanks revolutionized ground combat, allowing for more maneuverability and protection.
Impact of Air Technology on Warfare
Air superiority became crucial in conflicts, influencing strategies and outcomes through bombing campaigns and reconnaissance.
Impact of Sea Technology on Warfare
Naval technology advancements, such as submarines and aircraft carriers, changed the dynamics of naval battles and maritime strategy.
Rifles
The primary infantry weapon used during WWI, enabling soldiers to engage effectively at long range.
Machine Guns
Automatic firearms that revolutionized trench warfare by allowing for rapid fire, resulting in high casualty rates.
Artillery
Heavy guns, including cannons and howitzers, that were used for long-range bombardment of enemy positions.
Poison Gas
Chemical weapons, such as chlorine and mustard gas, that caused severe injuries and deaths while introducing fear into warfare.
Tanks
Armored vehicles introduced in WWI to break through trench lines and provide support for infantry.
Airplanes
Aircraft utilized for reconnaissance, bombing missions, and combat between fighter planes, changing
Overextension of Military Resources
Germany spread its military too thinly across multiple fronts, making it difficult to sustain prolonged efforts.
Entry of the United States
The U.S. joined the war in 1917, providing fresh troops and resources that bolstered the Allies.
Economic Blockades
Allied blockades severely restricted Germany's access to vital resources, crippling its war economy.
Failure of the Schlieffen Plan
Germany's strategy for a quick victory against France and then Russia failed, leading to a prolonged two-front war.
Attrition Warfare
The war turned into a war of attrition, where Germany could not match the manpower and resources of the Allies.
Diplomatic Isolation
Germany faced isolation as nations turned against it, limiting potential alliances and support.
Unpopularity of the War
Widespread war fatigue and protests at home contributed to a decline in morale and support for the war effort.
Technological Disadvantages
Despite some advancements, Germany struggled against the technological innovations used by the Allies, such as tanks and aircraft.
Loss of Allies
Germany lost support from key allies like Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire as the war progressed.
Social Unrest
Civil strife and revolution in Germany contributed to weakened resolve and capacity to continue fighting.
Paris Peace Settlement
The series of treaties that officially ended World War I and shaped international relations in the post-war period.
League of Nations
An international organization formed after WWI aimed at promoting peace and preventing future conflicts, though it had limited success.
Territorial Losses for Germany
Under the Paris Peace Settlement, Germany lost significant territories, including Alsace-Lorraine to France and parts of Prussia to Poland.
Mandate System
A new system established by the League of Nations where former territories of Central Powers were administered by Allied nations.