World War 1 Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and events related to World War I.

Balance of Power

Diplomatic concept where European powers sought to prevent any single nation from becoming too powerful.

Imperialism

The policy of extending a nation's power through colonization and control of territories abroad.

Brinksmanship

The diplomatic practice of pushing dangerous events to the edge of disaster to gain advantage.

Alliance System

The complex network of military agreements that divided Europe into opposing camps.

Militarism

The glorification of military power and values in society and government.

Nationalism

Strong patriotic feelings, often with a belief in national superiority.

Balkan Crisis

Series of conflicts in southeastern Europe that heightened tensions between major powers.

Triple Alliance

Military alliance formed in 1882 between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

Triple Entente

Series of agreements between Great Britain, France, and Russia during WWI.

Gavrilo Princip

Bosnian Serb who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, triggering the July Crisis.

Blank Check

Germany's unconditional support promised to Austria-Hungary encouraging hardline action against Serbia.

Mustard Gas

Blistering chemical agent first used by Germany in WWI, causing severe burns and blindness.

Total War

The complete mobilization of all resources—economic, social, and military—toward the war effort.

Armenian Genocide

Systematic destruction of the Armenian population in the Ottoman Empire beginning in 1915.

Treaty of Versailles

Peace treaty between the Allies and Germany that imposed harsh terms following WWI.

Bolshevik

Radical Marxist party led by Lenin that seized power in the October Revolution.

Red Army

Communist military force organized by Trotsky to defend the revolution during the Civil War.

Marxism

Economic and political theory developed by Karl Marx that viewed history as class struggle.

Leninism

Lenin's adaptation of Marxism emphasizing a vanguard party of professional revolutionaries.