WWI Definitions Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is nationalism?

A formal agreement between nations

A policy in which a strong nation seeks to dominate other countries

A strong feeling of pride in and devotion to one's country (correct)

Glorifying military power

What is imperialism?

A formal agreement between countries

A strong feeling of pride in one's country

A medical condition caused by warfare

A policy in which a strong nation seeks to dominate other countries (correct)

What is militarism?

The glorification of military power (correct)

A strip of land between trenches

A British passenger ship

A type of warfare

What does the alliance system refer to?

The cooperation between multiple nations for defense Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Central Powers during World War I?

Germany, Austria-Hungary, and their allies Signup and view all the answers

What were the Allied Powers in World War I?

Britain, France, and Russia Signup and view all the answers

Who was Kaiser Wilhelm II?

Emperor of Germany during World War I Signup and view all the answers

What is trench warfare?

A form of warfare in which opposing armies fight from trenches Signup and view all the answers

What is no man's land?

A strip of land between the trenches of opposing armies Signup and view all the answers

Who was Archduke Franz Ferdinand?

Archduke of Austria-Hungary assassinated in 1914 Signup and view all the answers

What is a U-boat?

German submarines Signup and view all the answers

What was the Lusitania?

A British passenger ship sunk by a German U-boat Signup and view all the answers

What was the Zimmermann Note?

A note sent from Germany to Mexico proposing an alliance against the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Eddie Rickenbacker?

An ace pilot who downed 26 enemy fighters in WWI Signup and view all the answers

What was the Selective Service Act?

Law that required all men ages 21 to 30 to register for military draft Signup and view all the answers

What does the convoy system refer to?

The protection of merchant ships from U-boat attacks Signup and view all the answers

What does AEF stand for?

American Expeditionary Force Signup and view all the answers

Who was John J. Pershing?

Commander of American Expeditionary Force Signup and view all the answers

What are Zeppelins?

Floating airships used by the Germans Signup and view all the answers

What is Big Bertha?

Famous German long-range guns Signup and view all the answers

What is trench foot?

Foot rot caused by prolonged exposure to wet boots Signup and view all the answers

What is shell shock?

A medical condition caused by traumatic experiences in warfare Signup and view all the answers

What is mechanized warfare?

Warfare that relies on engines, tanks, and airplanes Signup and view all the answers

Who is Alvin York?

A soldier who killed 25 enemy machine-gunners and captured 132 German soldiers Signup and view all the answers

What is a conscientious objector?

A person who refuses to serve in the military for moral reasons Signup and view all the answers

What is an armistice?

An agreement to stop fighting Signup and view all the answers

What was the War Industries Board?

Agency to increase efficiency in war-related industries Signup and view all the answers

Who was Bernard M. Baruch?

The man who established the War Industries Board Signup and view all the answers

What was the Food Administration?

Government agency established to increase food production and rationing Signup and view all the answers

Who was Herbert Hoover?

31st President of the United States Signup and view all the answers

What is a victory garden?

Backyard gardens encouraged to support the war effort Signup and view all the answers

What is propaganda?

Ideas spread to influence public opinion for or against a cause Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nationalism and Imperialism

Nationalism: Strong pride and devotion to one's country, often leading to a desire for independence or dominance.
Imperialism: Policy aimed at dominating other countries politically, socially, and economically by a stronger nation.

Militarism and Alliance System

Militarism: Glorification of military power and the maintenance of a standing army ready for war at all times.
Alliance System: Formal agreements between nations to cooperate and defend each other, leading to a complex network of alliances in WWI.

Major Powers in WWI

Central Powers: Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and other nations opposing the Allied Powers.
Allied Powers: Coalition including Britain, France, Russia, later joined by Italy, the United States, and others.

Key Figures

Kaiser Wilhelm II: The Emperor of Germany during World War I.
Archduke Franz Ferdinand: His assassination in 1914 by a Serbian was a significant cause of WWI.
John J. Pershing: Commander of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), advocating for American troops to fight independently.

Warfare and Tactics

Trench Warfare: Combat method where opposing armies fight from deep trenches, leading to grueling stalemates.
No Man's Land: Dangerous area between opposing trenches, riddled with hazards.
Mechanized Warfare: Warfare based on gas or diesel engines, utilizing tanks and airplanes.

Key Events and Technologies

Lusitania: British passenger ship sunk by a German U-Boat in 1915, causing American outrage and contributing to U.S. entry into the war.
Zimmermann Note: Intercepted communication from Germany to Mexico enticing Mexico to join the war against the U.S. for territorial gains.

Military Contributions and Innovations

Eddie Rickenbacker: American "ace" pilot credited with downing 26 enemy aircraft.
Alvin York: Heroic soldier who singled-handedly killed 25 machine-gunners and captured 132 German soldiers.

War Impact on Society

Selective Service Act: Required men aged 21-30 to register for military draft, expanding U.S. military ranks.
Victory Gardens: Encouragement for Americans to grow personal gardens to support food production for the war effort.
Food Administration: Headed by Herbert Hoover to increase food production and rationing during the war.

Psychological and Medical Effects

Trench Foot: Condition resulting from prolonged exposure to wet environments, causing foot rot among soldiers.
Shell Shock: Psychological distress resulting from constant exposure to the horrors of trench warfare.

War Management

War Industries Board: Established to improve efficiency in war-related industries.
Bernard M. Baruch: Businessman who directed the War Industries Board during WWI.

Propaganda and Public Opinion

Propaganda: Ideas spread to influence public opinion for or against the war.
Committee on Public Information: Aimed to promote the war effort and garner support from the American public.

Conclusions

Armistice: Agreement to halt fighting, ultimately leading to the end of World War I.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key terms related to World War I with these flashcards. Each card provides a definition of important concepts such as nationalism, imperialism, and militarism. Perfect for students looking to strengthen their understanding of this crucial historical period.