World War I & Russian Revolution

Militarism

The belief in building strong armed forces and preparing for war.

Alliance System

A network of agreements between nations promising mutual defense.

Triple Alliance

The alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy before WWI.

Triple Entente

The alliance of Britain, France, and Russia before WWI.

Nationalism

Extreme pride in one’s nation that contributed to WWI tensions.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne whose assassination triggered WWI.

World War I

A global conflict from 1914–1918 between the Allies and Central Powers.

Central Powers

Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria during WWI.

Allied Powers

Britain, France, Russia, Italy, and later the U.S. during WWI.

Trench Warfare

A type of combat where soldiers fought from trenches.

Total War

A war where nations devote all resources to the war effort.

Propaganda

Biased information used to influence public opinion.

Armistice

An agreement to stop fighting.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty ending WWI that blamed Germany and imposed harsh penalties.

War Guilt Clause

A clause assigning blame for WWI to Germany.

League of Nations

An international organization created after WWI to maintain peace.

Russian Revolution

A 1917 revolution overthrowing the Tsar and establishing communist rule.

Tsar Nicholas II

The last ruler of imperial Russia.

Vladimir Lenin

Leader of the Bolsheviks and founder of the Soviet Union.

Bolsheviks

Radical communist group led by Lenin.

Communism

A system where property is publicly owned and wealth is shared.

Soviet Union

A communist state formed after the Russian Revolution.