WW1 Unit Study Guide

Unification

The process of bringing together separate territories to form a single nation.

Armistice

An agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting for a certain time.

Attrition

The gradual reduction of strength or effectiveness of an opponent.

Nationalism

A strong sense of pride and devotion to one's nation, often leading to a desire for national independence.

Patriotism

Love for or devotion to one's country.

Militarism

The belief that a nation should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests.

Colonialism

The practice of acquiring full or partial control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Abdicate

To renounce one's throne or formal responsibilities.

Alliance

A formal agreement between two or more nations to cooperate for specific purposes.

Imperialism

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.

Treaty

A formally concluded and ratified agreement between countries.

Neutrality

The state of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict.

Reparations

Compensation demanded by a victorious nation from a defeated nation.

Alsace-Lorraine

A region on the border between France and Germany that was contested between the two countries.

League of Nations

An intergovernmental organization established after World War I to promote peace and cooperation among countries.

Casualty

A military personnel lost through death, injury, or capture.

Wilson’s 14 Points

A statement of principles for peace used for peace negotiations to end World War I.

Scramble for Africa

The rapid invasion, colonization, and partitioning of African territory by European powers.

Berlin Conference

An 1884-1885 meeting where European nations divided Africa among themselves for colonization.

Hague Convention

International treaties developed in 1899 and 1907 to establish laws of war and humanitarian principles.

M.A.I.N.

An acronym for Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism, factors contributing to World War I.

Schlieffen Plan

A German military strategy aimed at quickly defeating France before turning to Russia in World War I.

Trench Warfare

A type of land warfare using occupied fighting lines consisting largely of military trenches.

Lusitania

A British ocean liner sunk by a German submarine in 1915, contributing to U.S. entry into World War I.

Zimmerman Telegram

A secret diplomatic communication sent by Germany to Mexico in 1917 proposing a military alliance.