World War 1 - Causes and Motivations

A complex mix of factors including militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism that led to the outbreak of WWI.

Agreements between countries to protect each other, increasing the risk of war if one country was attacked.

The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, whose assassination was the immediate trigger for WWI.

The glorification of military power and aggressive expansion.

The desire of countries to expand their empires.

Strong loyalty and devotion to one's nation.

Military units formed by men from the same towns or cities, often with strong morale.

Patriotism, duty, adventure, escaping poverty or poor circumstances.

Information or media used to influence public opinion, demonizing the enemy.

June 28, 1914 — assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Compulsory military service, where the government forces men to join the army.

The use of ideas, often including lies, to persuade people to think and behave in a certain way.

Preventing people from seeing or hearing unpleasant news.

A person who is too scared to fight.

A man who refuses to fight on grounds of conscience or religious beliefs.

To join the army or armed forces voluntarily.

The boring everyday duties and jobs soldiers had to do in the trenches.

A report by Lord Bryce that claimed German atrocities against Belgians, later proven to be fabricated.

Mandatory military service during World War I, introduced in January 1916 to address volunteer shortages.

The law introduced in January 1916 that established conscription in Britain during WWI.

A person who refused to fight in a war due to moral or ethical beliefs.

Conscientious Objectors who objected to all wars, rooted in religious or ethical beliefs against violence.

Conscientious Objectors who rejected WWI specifically, believing it was fought for the benefit of wealthy factory owners and not for the working class.

Conscientious objectors who refused any service that could aid the war effort in any way, even non-combative roles.

Certain categories of people were exempt from conscription, mostly those deemed essential for the nation's economy, such as miners and shipyard workers, sometimes those with conscientious objections.

COs faced harsh treatment after the war, including imprisonment or additional limitations on their rights, like loss of voting rights.

The dangerous, unclaimed territory between opposing trenches in World War I.

The act of soldiers leaving their trenches to attack the enemy in World War I.

A severe condition caused by prolonged exposure of the feet to water and cold, causing swelling, pain, and potential tissue damage.

A continuous, intense artillery bombardment that moved forward alongside advancing troops, suppressing enemy fire.

The act of gathering information about the enemy's strength, positions, and plans.