Overview of World War I

The major countries of Europe with significant influence and power before WWI, including Britain, Germany, France, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Italy.

Britain possessed the strongest navy and had numerous colonies, making it a dominant force during the early 20th century.

Germany unified after the Franco-Prussian War, gaining territory (Alsace-Lorraine) and creating hostility toward France.

Otto von Bismarck's system of alliances, primarily designed to isolate France and prevent a two-front war.

Alliances fueled international tension, as nations believed their allies would support them militarily, escalating conflicts into war.

A competition among European powers for colonies in Africa and elsewhere, driven by the desire for resources, markets, and influence.

A mnemonic for colonialism's motivations: Cheap labor, Overseas markets, Raw materials, and National glory, motivating the scramble for colonies.

Disputes between Austria-Hungary and Russia over control and influence in the Balkans.

Germany's effort to build a stronger navy to rival Britain's, driven by Kaiser Wilhelm II's desire for German power.

Advanced battleships that embodied naval technological advancements.

International dispute over control of Morocco, resulting in a face-saving compromise, involving France and Germany.

Continued dispute over Moroccan territory, resolved by a territorial exchange between France and Germany.

Balkan states (Serbia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Greece) fought against the Ottoman Empire in 1912.

Balkan states, including Bulgaria, fought against other Balkan states due to territorial disputes.

Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908, worsening relations with Serbia.

Desire for creating a greater Serbia by claiming lands, impacting relations with other nations.

A series of conflicts and disputes between European nations.

Morocco's significance as a location for resources, trade routes, and colonial expansion.

Unquestionable loyalty to one's nation, prioritizing national interests above all else and often involving expansionist tendencies.

Strong national pride driving territorial expansion and viewing war as inevitable.

A desire for revenge against Germany following the Franco-Prussian War, with objectives to reclaim Alsace and Lorraine.

A belief that all German people should unite and expand German territory in Europe.

A Russian-led movement to unite all Slavic people under Russian control.

Desire to unite all Serbians in the Balkans.

Strategies to increase a nation's military strength include conscription, longer service terms, planning for attacks, or developing new weapons such as fighter jets and submarines.

Britain needed a strong navy to protect itself, as an island nation, and maintain its global role, while Germany sought to build a powerful fleet to compete with and challenge British naval supremacy.

Extreme nationalism, with its focus on national expansion, can exacerbate tensions between countries and lead to conflict, as nations prioritize their own interests.

A competition to develop superior military power by increasing the size of the armed forces and creating new weapons.

Germany's policy of sinking any ship, including neutral ships, without warning, led to the US entering WWI in 1917.

The October Revolution resulted in the overthrow of the Czarist government and the establishment of Bolshevik rule in Russia, which subsequently withdrew from WWI.

Britain first used tanks on the Western Front, making trench warfare less effective and ultimately resulting in a shift in tactics.

To establish peace in Europe after the devastation of WWI, aiming to avoid future conflicts by addressing political, economic, and territorial issues.

To seek revenge on Germany and ensure their defeat, as well as to secure their own national interests, shaping the postwar world order.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Gavrilo Princip in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, which triggered the outbreak of World War I.

Serbian nationalist and member of the Black Hand who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, setting off a chain of events that led to World War I.

A Serbian nationalist secret society that advocated for the unification of all Serbs and sought to liberate Bosnia from Austria-Hungary.

Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia after the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, demanding acceptance of harsh conditions, including allowing Austria-Hungary to investigate the assassination on Serbian territory.

Germany's military strategy, designed to avoid a two-front war by quickly conquering France before Russia could fully mobilize.

The group of nations that opposed the Central Powers during World War I, including Britain, France, Italy, Russia, and later the United States.

The group of nations that opposed the Allied Powers during World War I, including Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.

The main battlefront in World War I, stretching across Belgium and France, where the Allied Powers and Central Powers clashed in trench warfare.

The battlefront in World War I, involving Russia, Germany, and Austria-Hungary, marked by vast distances and brutal fighting.

Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914, marking the start of World War I.