World history Test Unit 5 part 1

Arms Race

Arms Race

A period of intense competition between nations, particularly in Europe leading up to World War I, characterized by the rapid development and stockpiling of military weaponry and technology.

The Balkans

A region in Southeast Europe with a history of ethnic and political tensions, often considered a powder keg due to the potential for conflict arising from these tensions.

“Powder Keg of Europe”

A term used to describe the Balkans due to the volatile mix of ethnic and political tensions that could potentially spark a major conflict.

Allied Powers (Triple Entente)

The coalition of nations, primarily France, Russia, and Great Britain, along with their allies, who opposed the Central Powers during World War I.

Central Powers (Triple Alliance)

The coalition of nations, primarily Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy (later joined by the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria), who opposed the Allied Powers during World War I.

Gavrilo Princip

A Bosnian Serb nationalist who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo in 1914, an event that precipitated the outbreak of World War I.

Pull in Effect

The idea that alliances and treaties could draw nations into a conflict even if they were not directly involved in the initial dispute.

Schlieffen Plan

A military strategy developed by Germany prior to World War I, which aimed to quickly defeat France in the west before turning to face Russia in the east, thereby avoiding a two-front war.

Militarism

The belief in or reliance on military power as a means of advancing national interests and achieving national security.

Alliances

Formal agreements between nations to cooperate and support each other in times of war or conflict.

Imperialism and Rivalries

The competition among European powers for colonial possessions and influence, which contributed to tensions and rivalries that eventually erupted into World War I.

Nationalism

A strong sense of pride, loyalty, and devotion to one's nation or ethnic group, which can lead to competition and conflict between nations.

Plan XVII

A French military strategy developed before World War I, which focused on launching an offensive against Germany in the event of war.

Total War

A conflict in which nations mobilize all available resources and populations towards the war effort, often involving civilian populations and economies in addition to military forces.

War of Attrition

A prolonged conflict in which each side attempts to wear down the other through sustained attacks and continuous losses.

World War I Technology

Technological advancements such as machine guns, tanks, poison gas, and aircraft that revolutionized warfare during World War I.

Trench Warfare & “No Man's Land”

A form of warfare characterized by fighting from trenches, with little movement and heavy casualties, and "No Man's Land" refers to the area between opposing trench lines.

Battle of Gallipoli

A major Allied campaign during World War I, primarily fought on the Gallipoli Peninsula in present-day Turkey, aimed at securing a sea route to Russia and knocking the Ottoman Empire out of the war.

Stalemate

A situation in which neither side in a conflict is able to gain a decisive advantage, resulting in a deadlock.

Propaganda

Information, often biased or misleading, used to promote a particular political cause or point of view, especially during wartime.

Treaty of Versailles

Treaty signed on June 28, 1919, between France, Great Britain, and Germany to address post-World War I issues.

War Guilt Clause

Provision in the Treaty of Versailles stating that Germany was responsible for World War I and had to pay 33 billion in reparations to the Allies.

Russian Revolution

Series of events in Russia starting in 1917, leading to the Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, taking power and transforming the country.

Bolshevik Revolution

Revolution led by Lenin's Bolshevik party in October 1917, resulting in the removal of the Duma and significant changes in Russia.

Stalin

Soviet leader who rose to power through political alliances, creating a totalitarian regime and implementing the five-year plans.

Mandate System

Post-World War I system where territories of the Ottoman Empire were distributed to Britain and France as mandates.

Qing Dynasty

Chinese dynasty that fell in 1912, leading to the establishment of the People's Republic of China and subsequent civil war.

Mexican Revolution

Revolution in Mexico against President Diaz, leading to the establishment of a new constitution with fundamental social rights.