Causes of World War I Vocabulary Flashcards (copy)

Industrial Revolution

A fundamental economic transformation marked by the replacement of hand tools with power-driven machines, resulting in significant growth of factories and mass production.

Who was involved in the Industrial Revolution?

Great Britain, Belgium, France, Germany, continental Europe, the United States, and Japan.

What were the key innovations of the Industrial Revolution?

Spinning jenny, power loom, steam engines, railroads, and telegraph.

When did the Industrial Revolution occur?

Mid-18th century (around 1760) to 1830–1840, continuing throughout the 19th century.

Where did the Industrial Revolution originate?

Great Britain, primarily England.

Why was the Industrial Revolution historically significant?

It increased national wealth, state power, and industrial capacity, driving nations towards imperialism and militarism.

Imperialism

Aggressive expansion and domination by a powerful nation over weaker regions, involving exploitation of resources and labor.

Who were the major imperial powers during the age of imperialism?

Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Japan, and the United States.

What were the key motivations for imperialism?

Economic needs for raw materials, geopolitical competition, and ideological beliefs of cultural superiority.

Nationalism

An ideological principle asserting that loyalty is owed to the nation or ethnic group rather than to a monarch or ruler.

Who were involved in the rise of nationalism?

European nations, multiethnic empires, and minority ethnic populations, especially in the Balkans.

What did nationalism advocate for nations?

The alignment of state political boundaries with the homelands of distinct national or cultural groups.

Militarism

The policy of maintaining a powerful military and utilizing it to advance national interests.

What is an arms race?

Intense competition among nations to build larger standing armies and superior weaponry.

What were the outcomes of Pan-Slavism?

Unity and support for Slavic peoples, often used by Russia to expand its influence in Eastern Europe.

Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878)

A military conflict where Russia and coalition allies defeated the Ottoman Empire and gained territorial concessions.

What was the main cause of the Balkan Wars?

Nationalism and territorial disputes among countries in southeastern Europe over the weakening Ottoman Empire.

Moroccan Crises

Diplomatic clashes between Germany and France over control and influence in Morocco.

What was the Triple Alliance?

A military alliance among Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy promising mutual defense against attacks.

What was the purpose of the Triple Entente?

To counterbalance the Triple Alliance and ensure mutual cooperation among Britain, France, and Tsarist Russia.

What was the Schlieffen Plan?

A German military strategy aimed at quickly defeating France before turning to face Russia in a two-front war.

What was a significant outcome of the Schlieffen Plan's failure?

The involvement of Great Britain in World War I and a shift to stagnant trench warfare.