The First World War and Global Economic Crisis

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the First World War and the subsequent global economic crisis.

Total War

A war in which a country uses all of its resources and population to fight, often leading to significant societal changes.

Mass Society

A sociological phenomenon where citizens are disconnected from traditional life and heavily influenced by large-scale institutions.

Fourteen Points

President Woodrow Wilson's proposal for peace after WW1, aimed at ensuring a just settlement and preventing future conflicts.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that ended WW1, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.

The Great Depression

A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, marked by high unemployment and significant declines in industrial production.

Fordism

The system of mass production and consumption pioneered by Henry Ford, characterized by the use of assembly lines.

Armistice

An agreement to stop fighting, often leading to a peace treaty.

Bolshevik Revolution

The 1917 revolution in Russia led by Lenin that resulted in the establishment of a communist government.

Economic Consequences of the Peace

A book by John Maynard Keynes criticizing the Treaty of Versailles and predicting its negative impact on Europe.

Dust Bowl

A period of severe dust storms during the 1930s in the American Great Plains, caused by drought and inappropriate farming practices.

U-boat

A German submarine used during WW1 and WW2, known for its role in disrupting Allied maritime activities.

Imperial Showdown

A conflict involving major powers vying for global dominance and colonization, particularly during the early 20th century.

Labour Militancy

Heightened activity and agitation by workers aimed at achieving better working conditions and pay, particularly notable during economic crises.

War Guilt Clause

A provision in the Treaty of Versailles that assigned blame for WW1 to Germany, leading to reparations and territorial losses.

Central Powers

The alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire during WW1.

Allied Powers

The alliance of Britain, France, Russia, the US, and other nations opposing the Central Powers during WW1.