Causes of World War One and National Interests

A policy where a nation extends its power and influence over other countries or territories. For example, the British Empire in the 19th century.

The glorification of military power and the belief that a country should maintain a strong military capability. This often leads to an arms race between nations.

A complex web of interconnected alliances between nations. When one country goes to war, its allies are obligated to join the fight.

A strong sense of national pride and unity that can lead to aggression towards other nations, particularly in the context of rivalries for power or territory.

A belief that a nation's interests should come before all others, leading to competition and potential conflict between nations.

The systematic persecution and murder of a group of people based on their national, religious, ethnic, or racial identity.

Actions against civilians or soldiers in violation of international laws and conventions, especially the Geneva Convention.

Actions that are considered offensive to the moral principles of the international community, including torture, mass murder, slavery, extermination, and imprisonment.

A secret police force established by the Nazi regime in Germany to identify and eliminate political opponents, ideological dissenters, and particularly Jews.

A youth program implemented by the Nazi regime in Germany aimed at indoctrinating children with Nazi ideology, promoting loyalty to Hitler, and preparing them for future roles in the Reich.

The systematic extermination of around 6 million Jews by the Nazi regime during World War II, fueled by extreme anti-Semitism and racial hatred.

The deliberate starvation of millions of Ukrainian civilians by the Soviet regime in the 1930s.

Extreme nationalism characterized by a belief in national superiority and a tendency towards aggression and expansionism.

A military strategy involving the deployment of all available resources, including manpower, industry, and technology, to achieve complete victory, often disregarding traditional rules of warfare. World War I exemplifies the concept with its widespread use of new technologies, extensive mobilization, and disregard for civilian casualties.

A strategy by Germany in 1914 to quickly defeat France by invading Belgium, then circling Paris and forcing surrender, before turning east to face Russia.

A French strategy in 1914, aiming for a swift victory by attacking German industrial centers in Alsace-Lorraine and the Rhine Valley, relying on the fighting spirit of French soldiers.

A military draft or mandatory service, requiring all eligible individuals to serve in the armed forces.

A form of misinformation designed to influence public opinion and behavior, often using emotional appeals and manipulative techniques to persuade people.

A period of intense political and economic instability in Germany between November 1918 and March 1933, marked by democratic institutions, struggles with the aftermath of WWI, and the rise of nationalist movements.

A political movement in Germany, founded by Adolf Hitler, that rose to power in the 1930s, promoting extreme nationalism, anti-Semitism, and racial ideologies leading to WWII.

An Italian nationalist movement that rose to power after WWI, led by Benito Mussolini. It promoted authoritarianism, social control, and expansionist policies.

The act of placing individuals who are believed to be a threat to national security, often because they are foreign nationals or suspected of enemy ties, in detention facilities.

A policy of making concessions to an aggressive power in the hopes of avoiding war. It is known for being used by Great Britain and France towards Nazi Germany before WWII.

A military strategy of rapid and overwhelming attack using motorized and armored forces. It was effectively used by Germany during the early stages of World War II, particularly in the invasion of Poland.

An agreement between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939, which allowed Hitler to invade Poland without Soviet intervention. This pact also included a secret agreement to divide Poland between them.

The period of intense aerial bombing by the German Luftwaffe against British cities, mainly London, during the Second World War. It started in retaliation for British air raids on Berlin.

The deliberate starvation of the Ukrainian population by the Soviet Union in the 1930s. This man-made famine was a result of Soviet policies of forced collectivization of agriculture and grain confiscation.

A term used to describe the wealthy farmers in the Ukraine, who were targeted by the Soviet government during the collectivization of agriculture (especially during the Holodomor).

The organization of farms into large, collective units under government control. This policy, implemented by Stalin, aimed to eliminate private land ownership and increase agricultural production in the Soviet Union.

The spread of extreme nationalism, often characterized by aggressive expansionism, militarism, and a strong belief in national superiority. It was a dominant ideology in Germany during the Nazi era.

Policies implemented by the Nazi regime to create a sense of national unity and support for the war effort. They used propaganda, censorship, economic incentives, and fear to manipulate public opinion.

The deliberate use of propaganda to blame a specific group for problems or misfortunes, often to incite hatred or prejudice. This was a common tactic used by the Nazi regime to scapegoat Jews and other minorities.

A set of laws and stipulations imposed on Germany by Allied Powers after World War I. It is criticized for being harsh and contributing to resentment and a desire for revenge in Germany, ultimately playing a role in the rise of Nazi Germany and the outbreak of WWII.

An international organization established after World War I aimed at promoting international cooperation and preventing future wars. It was ineffective due to its lack of military power, its inability to enforce its decisions, and the withdrawal of major powers like the United States.

The desire to achieve self-determination and national independence. It played a significant role in the Ukrainian struggle against Russian rule, particularly after the Russian Revolution.

The belief in the superiority of one's own nation and its right to dominate others. It was a key factor in the ideology of Nazi Germany and played a central role in its aggressive foreign policy.

An international conflict that engulfed most of the world from 1939 to 1945. It was the deadliest war in human history and resulted in unprecedented destruction, loss of life, and social upheaval.

An Italian dictator who rose to power after World War I, promising Italy strength and glory, and establishing a fascist regime.

The systematic extermination of the Ukrainian population by the Soviet Union in the 1930s. The Holodomor was the result of forced collectivization of agriculture in Ukraine, which aimed to eliminate private land ownership, and grain confiscation, which led to mass starvation.

An agreement between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939. The pact was a surprise to other nations and allowed Hitler to invade Poland without Soviet intervention.