Key Terms and Concepts of World War I

Triple Entente

The alliance between Britain, France, and Russia.

Battle of Gallipoli

The British led invasion of the Ottoman Empire, in attempt to open a way to the Black Sea

Nationalism

Identification with one's own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations.

Schlieffen Plan

Germany's plan for a two-front war that ultimately failed.

Jutland

Battle that ended German naval aspirations in WWI.

Fritz Haber

The German chemist who headed the German gas warfare program in WWI.

Central Powers

Consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire.

Alfred Nobel

The Swedish chemist, famous for inventing dynamite, that established an international award to recognize men and women whose accomplishments furthered the cause of peace.

Lusitania

A British passenger ship sunk by a German U-boat on May 7, 1915, contributing to the U.S. entry into WWI.

Brest-Litovsk

The treaty that ended hostilities between Russia and Germany during WWI and resulted in the Russians losing land and industry.

Vladimir Lenin

Became ruler of the new Soviet government after the October Revolution in Russia.

John J Pershing

Known as 'Black Jack', he led the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) during WWI.

Andrew Carnegie

Enabled the building of the Peace Palace at the Hague, Netherlands.

Nicholas II

The Russian czar who abdicated in March 1917.

Armistice Day

After Germany and the Allied Powers ended hostilities in the Western Front, Nov 11, 1918

Franz Ferdinand

The heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary who was assassinated in Bosnia, which led to the outbreak of World War I.

Bismarck's System

The German alliances created to prevent French attack and to maintain the balance of powers.

Paul von Hindenburg

The German general who led the German army to victory over Russia at the Battle of Tannenberg.

Zimmerman Telegram

The secret communication from Germany to Mexico promising land to Mexico if they declared war on the U.S.

Manfred von Richthofen

Known as the Red Baron for his red plane, he was the most successful 'Ace' pilot of WWI.

Imperialism

When one country tries to control or dominate other countries, often by force or influence, to gain power and resources.