World War I Exam Review

Militarism

The policy of building up strong armed forces to prepare for war.

Alliances

Formal agreements between two or more nations to cooperate for specific purposes, often mutual defense.

Nationalism

Strong pride and devotion to one’s nation or ethnic group.

Imperialism

The policy by which stronger nations extend their economic, political, or military control over weaker territories.

Assassination

The murder of Archduke Francis (Franz) Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary, which triggered the outbreak of WWI.

Sinking of the Lusitania

A pivotal event where a British passenger liner sunk by a German U-boat fueled anti-German sentiment in the U.S.

Zimmerman Telegraph

A secret communication from Germany proposing a military alliance against the U.S.; its interception incited American support for war.

Freedom of the Seas

The principle that merchant ships should move freely in international waters without interference.

Selective Service Act (1917)

Required men to register for military service, creating a draft to build up the American Expeditionary Force.

Espionage Act (1917)

Made it a crime to interfere with military recruitment or to support enemies of the U.S. during wartime.

Sedition Act (1918)

Extended the Espionage Act to criminalize disloyal or abusive language about the U.S. government.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

Supreme Court case that upheld Schenck’s conviction, establishing the 'clear and present danger' test.

Trench Warfare

Main style of fighting on the Western Front, marked by dug-in positions and minimal territorial gains.

Chemical Warfare

The use of poison gases to break stalemate, leading to horrific injuries and deaths.

Machine Guns

Rapid-fire weapons that greatly increased the defensive power of entrenched troops.

Tanks

Armored vehicles introduced to break through enemy lines and change tactics away from stalemate.

Airplanes

Initially used for reconnaissance, later adapted for combat and bombing, marking the beginning of aerial warfare.

U-boats

German submarines that threatened trade routes and contributed to the U.S. joining the war.

Western Front

Main theater of war characterized by trench warfare and high casualties.

Battle of the Argonne Forest

A major offensive involving American forces crucial for forcing Germany to seek an armistice.

Alvin York

An American soldier who became a war hero by capturing many German soldiers during the Argonne Offensive.

Woodrow Wilson

28th President of the United States, key architect of the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations proposal.

Francis (Franz) Ferdinand

Assassinated Archduke whose death sparked WWI.

John J. Pershing

Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces on the Western Front.

Fourteen Points

Woodrow Wilson’s framework for peace after WWI, including self-determination and the League of Nations.

Treaty of Versailles

The treaty that officially ended WWI, imposing harsh terms on Germany.

War Guilt Clause (Article 231)

Placed sole responsibility for WWI on Germany, requiring reparations.

League of Nations

An international organization proposed by Wilson aimed at maintaining peace.

Isolationism

A foreign policy of non-involvement in international alliances or conflicts post-WWI.

Self-Determination

The right of nations to choose their sovereignty and political status.

Victory Gardens

Homegrown gardens planted by civilians to support the war effort.

War Bonds (Liberty Bonds)

Government debt securities to finance military operations.

France

Country in Western Europe that was a primary battleground during WWI.

Germany

Central European nation, a main member of the Central Powers in WWI.

United States

North American country that entered WWI in 1917.

Atlantic Ocean

Vital shipping route that separates North America from Europe.