WWI

Prelude to the War

A period of peace in Europe disrupted by military build-up and alliances.

Kaiser Wilhelm II

German leader who initiated naval and military expansion, alarming other powers.

Triple Entente

Alliance formed by France, Russia, and later Britain against Germany.

Central Powers

Alliance of Austria-Hungary, Germany, and the Ottoman Empire during WWI.

"Mother Russia"

Russia's self-identification as protector of Slavic nations, particularly Serbia.

Assassination of Archduke Franz-Ferdinand

Event in 1914 that triggered the outbreak of WWI.

Gavrilo Princip

Serbian nationalist who assassinated the Archduke, leading to war declarations.

Schlieffen Plan

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

Attrition

A military strategy focused on wearing down the enemy over time.

Lusitania

British ship sunk by a German submarine, contributing to U.S. tensions with Germany.

Zimmerman Telegram

German proposal to Mexico to join the Central Powers, prompting U.S. involvement.

Espionage and Sedition Acts

U.S. laws enacted during WWI to suppress dissent and espionage.

Armistice

Agreement to cease fighting, signed in November 1918, leading to the end of WWI.

Influenza Pandemic

Global outbreak that caused more deaths than WWI, originating in military bases.

Wilson’s 14 Points

President Wilson's proposal for peace and self-determination in post-war Europe.

League of Nations

International organization aimed at maintaining peace, which the U.S. did not join.

Treaty of Versailles

1919 agreement imposing harsh conditions on Germany after WWI.

Red Scare

Fear of communism and immigration in the U.S. following the Russian Revolution.

Great Black Migration

Movement of African Americans to northern cities during and after WWI.

Racial Tensions

Conflicts arising from competition for jobs and social equality post-WWI.