WW1

World War I

A global war fought between the Allies (Britain, France, USA) and the Central Powers (Austria-Hungary, Germany, Japan, Italy) due to militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism.

Nationalism

A loyal patriotic feeling for one’s country, which can create rivalry and groups seeking independence.

Militarism

The belief in building up strong armed forces to prepare for war and increasing the production of weapons.

Alliance

A formal agreement between two or more nations to maintain peace and support each other.

Imperialism

The policy of taking over weaker countries for resources and colonizing them, causing competition and mistrust.

Otto Von Bismarck

The German statesman who wanted to isolate France and maintain peace in Europe.

Kaiser Wilhelm II

The final German Emperor who was forced to step down from his position during WWI.

Triple Alliance

An alliance formed by Germany, Austria-Hungary, Japan, and Italy (which later switched to the Entente).

Triple Entente

An alliance of Britain, France, and Russia during World War I.

Balkans

Known as the 'powder keg' of Europe, where various nations sought independence.

Franz Ferdinand

The heir to Austria-Hungary whose assassination triggered World War I.

Gavrilo Princip

A Serbian nationalist and member of the Black Hand organization who assassinated Franz Ferdinand.

Schlieffen Plan

Germany's military strategy to quickly defeat France before turning to Russia, which ultimately failed.

Western Front

The main theater of war during WWI located in Belgium and France, characterized by trench warfare.

Trench Warfare

A type of combat where soldiers fight from deep trenches, leading to horrendous living conditions.

Eastern Front

The primary area of conflict between Germany and Russia during World War I.

Gallipoli Campaign

An Allied military operation aimed at capturing the Ottoman Empire to assist Russia.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

Germany's strategy of sinking ships without warning to blockade Britain, including the Lusitania.

Total War

A conflict where all resources are devoted to the war effort, with government control over the economy.

Rationing

The controlled distribution of scarce resources and products during wartime.

Propaganda

One-sided information used to persuade and support wartime efforts.

Armistice

An agreement to end fighting, officially signed in November 1918, leading to an Allied victory.

Woodrow Wilson

The President of the USA during World War I.

Fourteen Points

A series of proposals by Woodrow Wilson aimed at achieving lasting peace after WWI.

Self-Determination

The principle allowing nations and peoples to determine their own government.

League of Nations

An international organization established after WWI to promote peace and cooperation.

Russian Revolution

A series of events that led to the overthrow of the Czar and establishment of a communist government.

Russo-Japanese War

A conflict between Russia and Japan over control of Korea and parts of Manchuria.

Nicolas II

The last Emperor of Russia who was overthrown during the Russian Revolution.

Lenin

The leader of the Bolsheviks who eventually became the head of the Soviet state.

Proletariats

The working class in society, particularly those involved in manual labor.

Bloody Sunday

A massacre of protesters in Russia demanding better working conditions.

Rasputin

A mystic and advisor to the Russian royal family, known for his influence over the Czarina.

Duma

The first parliamentary body in Russia created by Nicolas II, which was short-lived.

March Revolution

A series of protests leading to the abdication of Nicolas II.

Provisional Government

The temporary government established by the Duma after the March Revolution.

Soviets

Local councils comprised of workers, peasants, and soldiers in Russia.

NEP (New Economic Policy)

Lenin's policy that allowed limited private enterprise and surplus crops for peasants.

Communist Party

The renamed Bolsheviks, inspired by Karl Marx’s ideas.

Joseph Stalin

The dictator who emerged after Lenin's death and led the Soviet Union.