The Great War: Causes and Background

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on key terms and concepts related to the causes and background of World War I.

Militarism

The policy of glorifying military power and keeping an army prepared for war.

Triple Alliance

A military alliance formed in 1882 among Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

Kaiser Wilhelm II

The German emperor who reigned from 1888 to 1918, known for his militaristic policies and desire to assert Germany's power.

Triple Entente

A military alliance formed among Great Britain, France, and Russia, establishing a counterbalance to the Triple Alliance.

Nationalism

A deep devotion to one's nation, which can unify a country but also incite competition and conflict among nations.

Imperialism

The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.

Alliance System

A formal agreement between two or more nations to cooperate for specific purposes, which contributed to the escalation of World War I.

Balkan Powder Keg

A term used to describe the Balkan Peninsula due to its history of nationalist uprisings and ethnic clashes that contributed to the outbreak of World War I.

Ultimatum

A list of demands that, if not met, will lead to serious consequences, as seen when Austria-Hungary issued demands to Serbia.

Gavrilo Princip

The 19-year-old Serbian nationalist who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, an event that triggered the start of World War I.