WWI World History

Triple Alliance

An alliance formed in 1882 that included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy

Triple Entente

An alliance formed in 1907 that included France, Great Britain, and Russia.

Conscription

A military draft, had been established as a regular practice in most western countries before 1914

Archduke Francis Ferdinand

Heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary. Killed with his wife while visiting Bosnian, and was killed by Gavrilo Princip

Gavrilo Princip

19 year old Bosnian Serb that succeeded in shooting both the archduke and his wife.

Czar Nicolas II

Czar of Russia during the beginning of WWI

Mobilization

The process of assembling troops and supplies and making them ready for war. In 1914, mobilization was considered an act of war.

General van Schlieffen

A German chief who had a plan to avoid a two front war.(Schlieffen Plan) Died before WWI, but his blueprints remained for German Army deployment in 1914

Propaganda

The deliberate, organized spread of information often biased, exaggerated, or false statements by the government to control publice opinion, boost morale, encourage enlistment, and demonize the enemy.

Battle of the Marne

A decisive Allied victory in WWI that hated the German advance into France, saving Paris.

Trench Warfare

a defensive strategy where opposing armies dug long deep, and muddy ditches to protect themselves from machine-guns and artillery.

Battle of Verdun

One of the longest and deadliest battles of WWI, fought between Germany and France on the western front.

War of Attrition

a Strategy focused on wearing down enemy’s manpower, supplies, and morale faster than ones own, aiming for victory through total exhaustion.

Lawrence of Arabia

The nickname of a British intelligence officer who became famous for his crucial role in helping the Arab forces fight against the Ottoman Empire during WWI

Emperor William II

King of Prussia (1888-1918) Known for aggressive foreign policy and militarism, he helped cause WWI by encouraging Austria-Hungary to attack Serbia.

Lusitania

A british passenger ocean liner sunk by a German U-boat on May 7,1915 during WWI

Total War

A conflict where nations mobilized their entire population, economy, and resources to fight, blurring the line between soldiers and civilians

Planned Economy

a system where government took central control of production and distribution, to support war efforts

Defense of Realm Act

a sweeping British law giving the government extraordinary powers to control daily life, media, and industry to ensure national security.