Key Concepts of World War I

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to World War I, focusing on the causes, major events, weapons, and political changes throughout the war.

Nationalism

A deep devotion to one’s nation that served as a unifying force but also caused intense competition among the Great Powers.

Imperialism

Fierce competition for colonies in Africa and Asia that pushed European nations to the brink of war and deepened mutual mistrust.

Militarism

The policy of glorifying military power and keeping an army prepared for war, leading to an arms race and detailed mobilization plans.

Alliance System

Military alliances created to maintain peace, which instead drew all Great Powers into conflict.

Allied Powers

Members included Great Britain, France, and Russia, who fought against the Central Powers.

Central Powers

Members included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy who fought against the Allied Powers.

Assassination of Franz Ferdinand

The event on June 28, 1914, when Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were killed by Gavrilo Princip.

Gavrilo Princip

A 19-year-old Serbian member of the Black Hand who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Schlieffen Plan

A German strategic plan to defeat France quickly before turning east to fight Russia.

Trench Warfare

Military strategy that led to a long stalemate on the battlefield due to the defensive power of machine guns and artillery.

First Battle of the Marne

Significant battle in September 1914 where the Allies stopped the German advance and left the Schlieffen Plan in ruins.

Battle of Tannenberg

A significant battle in August 1914 where German forces crushed the Russian army, causing a full retreat.

Gallipoli Campaign

An Allied effort to control the Dardanelles strait that resulted in heavy casualties and a bloody stalemate.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

Germany's policy of sinking any ship around Britain, including neutral vessels, to starve Britain into defeat.

Zimmermann Note

A telegram from Germany to Mexico promising support in reconquering U.S. territory if Mexico allied with Germany.

Bolsheviks

A radical Marxist group in Russia that led the revolution and was led by Vladimir Ilyich Lenin.

Fourteen Points

Proposals by President Woodrow Wilson aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace after World War I.

Armistice

An agreement to stop fighting, officially ending World War I on November 11, 1918.

Balfour Declaration

A British statement expressing support for the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine.

Mandate System

A system where former Ottoman Empire lands were administered by the League of Nations until ready for independence.

Butcher Battalions

Groups composed of former convicts authorized to kill Armenians during the genocide.