World War I Vocabulary

Vocabulary terms and definitions related to World War I, including causes, key events, opposing factions, and post-war peace efforts.

nationalism

loyalty and devotion to a nation

militarism

policy of building up armed forces to prepare for war

M.A.I.N.

Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism

draft

a law requiring people of a certain age to serve in the military

bureaucracy

system of managing government through departments run by appointed officials

Zimmermann telegram

Germany’s message to Mexico, asking Mexico to attack the U.S.

Reasons against U.S. involvement

U.S. had tradition of neutrality; Some Americans favored Central Powers; Wilson opposed alliance with Russian czar.

Reasons for U.S. involvement

Germany attacked neutral ships; Many Americans favored Britain and France; Zimmermann telegram angered Americans; American trade with Allies was important.

armistice

agreement to stop fighting

self-determination

right of national groups to their own territory and forms of government

reparations

compensation in money or materials made by a defeated nation

isolationist

person who wanted the United States to stay out of foreign affairs

President Wilson (1918)

proposed a plan to bring peace to Europe: Fourteen-Point Peace Plan

League of Nations

nations would work to bring about world peace and cooperation

Treaty of Versailles

ended WWI; harsh treatment of Germany would set conditions for WWII to start

Allied Powers

France, Great Britain, Russia, and smaller nations

Central Powers

Austria-Hungary, Germany, Ottoman (Turkish) Empire

patriotism

devotion to and vigorous support for one's country