SG HISTOY WW1

#1 Cause of World War 1

Militarism

Naval Arms Race

Competition between Britain and Germany to build the most powerful navy, including dreadnought battleships.

Alliances

Agreements between countries to provide mutual support in case of conflict.

Triple Alliance

Alliance formed by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

Triple Entente

Alliance formed by France, Russia, and Great Britain.

Imperialism

Competition for colonies and global dominance among major powers.

Nationalism

Intense pride in one’s nation, often leading to a desire for independence or dominance over others.

Franco-Prussian War

Conflict (1870-1871) pivotal in shaping Europe prior to WWI, leading to German unification.

Treaty of Versailles (1871)

Agreement that imposed penalties on France, including territorial losses and reparations.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

His assassination in Sarajevo was a key event that sparked the outbreak of World War I.

The Schlieffen Plan

Germany's strategy to avoid a two-front war by quickly defeating France before turning to Russia.

Trench Warfare

A method of fighting where soldiers occupied trenches, leading to static frontlines and prolonged conflicts.

Battle of the Marne

Marked the end of German advances into France and the beginning of trench warfare.

Gavrilo Princip

The assassin of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, associated with the nationalist group known as the Black Hand.

U-Boat

German submarine used during World War I to compete against the British Navy.

Maxim Machine Guns

Early automatic weapon that caused significant casualties during World War I.

Serbian Nationalism

Desire of Serbia to expand its influence among Slavic people, threatening Austria-Hungary.

Battle of the Somme

Notable for its high casualty rates; a major British offensive in WWI.

Central Powers

Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria during World War I.

Allied Powers

Coalition of France, Russia, Great Britain, Italy, and later the USA during World War I.

The Balkans

A region in Southeast Europe, often referred to as the 'powder keg of Europe' due to its ethnic tensions and conflicts prior to WWI.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

His assassination in 1914 by a Serbian nationalist marked the immediate cause of World War I.

Blank Check Assurance

Germany's promise of unconditional support to Austria-Hungary after the assassination, encouraging aggressive actions against Serbia.

July Crisis

The diplomatic crisis in July 1914 following the assassination, leading to the outbreak of World War I.

Mobilization

The process of assembling troops and equipment for war; a key step that escalated tensions into WWI.

War Guilt Clause

A section in the Treaty of Versailles that blamed Germany for the war, leading to significant reparations.

Militarism and Arms Race

The aggressive buildup of military forces and arms among European nations, contributing to the outbreak of war.

Russian Mobilization

Russia's mobilization in support of Serbia triggered a chain reaction of alliances being activated.

Imperialist Tensions

Rivalries over colonies and global influence that created friction among the major powers.

Nationalist Movements

Growing nationalist sentiments, particularly in the Balkans and among Slavic peoples, contributed to tensions in Europe.