Unit 4 Study Guide

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Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism the main causes of WWI

Militarism

The policy of glorifying military power and keeping an army prepared for war.

Alliances

Pacts for mutual defense between countries.

Imperialism

When one country takes over another country economically and politically.

Nationalism

Strong feelings of pride for one’s country.

Balkan Powderkeg

Refers to the tense situation in the Balkans leading up to WWI, where many conflicts arose.

Gavrilo Princip

The Serbian nationalist who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Blank Check

Germany’s promise of unconditional support to Austria-Hungary after the assassination.

Schlieffen Plan

Germany's military strategy to avoid a two-front war by invading France through Belgium.

Assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand

28 June 1914

Armistice

11 Nov 1918

Central Powers

The coalition of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria during WWI.

Allied Powers

The coalition of Great Britain, France, Russia, Japan, Italy, and later, the USA during WWI.

Domino Effect

The series of events that led to countries declaring war following the assassination of Franz Ferdinand.

Battle of the Somme

One of the largest battles of WWI, known for its high casualty rate and the first use of tanks.

Chemical Warfare

The use of chemical agents like poison gas in warfare, notably by the Germans during WWI.

Trench Warfare

A type of combat where soldiers fought from deep trenches, leading to a stalemate.

1917 U.S. Entry

The entry of the United States into WWI, which helped shift the balance in favor of the Allies.

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

The treaty signed between Soviet Russia and the Central Powers, ending Russia's involvement in WWI.

Armenian Genocide

The mass killing of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during WWI.

War of Attrition

A military strategy to wear down the enemy by continual losses in personnel and material.

Battle of Verdun

The longest battle of WWI, featuring massive casualties for both French and German forces.

Battle of Gallipoli

An unsuccessful campaign by the Allies to control the Dardanelles and provide support to Russia.

Pan-Slavism

The movement to unify all Slavic people in Europe.

Pan-Germanism

The movement to unify all German-speaking countries.

100 Days Offensive

The series of attacks by Allied forces in 1918 that led to the end of WWI.

Battle of Belleau Wood

A significant battle in 1918 where American forces fought against Germans near Paris.

Machine Guns

New weaponry used in WWI that resulted in high casualty rates.

U-Boats

German submarines used in naval warfare to attack military and commercial ships.

No Man's Land

The area between opposing trenches where much of the fighting occurred.

Christmas Truce

An unofficial ceasefire on Christmas Day in 1914, where soldiers from both sides met.

Battle of Amiens

A successful Allied offensive in August 1918, marking the beginning of the end for the Central Powers.

Kaiser Wilhelm II

The last German Emperor, whose militaristic policies contributed to the outbreak of WWI.

Casualty Rates

Refers to the percentage of military personnel lost during the battles of WWI.

British Navy

The naval force that played a crucial role in blockading Germany during WWI.

The Hindenburg Line

A German defensive line during WWI that was ultimately attacked and broken by Allied forces.

Armistice

The agreement to stop fighting, effectively marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918.

Battle of the Frontiers

A series of battles in 1914 which marked the start of the large-scale engagement of WWI.

Triple Alliance

The military alliance formed by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy before WWI.

Triple Entente

The military alliance formed by Great Britain, France, and Russia before WWI.

Lusitania

A British ocean liner sunk by a German U-boat, influencing the U.S. decision to enter WWI.

War Horse

Refers to horses used during WWI, particularly noted in the context of the Battle of the Somme.

Cousins War

A term describing how the royal families of Europe were interconnected, influencing alliances.

Heavy Artillery

Large caliber guns used for indirect fire in warfare, instrumental during WWI.

Bolshevik Revolution

The 1917 revolution in Russia that led to the rise of the Communist government and withdrawal from WWI.

Tanks

Armored vehicles developed during WWI to break through enemy defenses.