WWI Vocab
A type of fighting during WWI where soldiers lived and fought from long, dug-out ditches called trenches. Life was harsh and battles often dragged on without much progress.
Trench Warfare
The peace treaty that officially ended WWI in 1919. It blamed Germany for the war, made them pay reparations, and limited their military.
Treaty of Versailles
Pride and loyalty to one’s nation, sometimes to the point of believing your country is better than others. Nationalism was one cause of WWI.
Nationalism
The main battleground between Germany and France/Britain, known for trench warfare.
Western Front
The alliance during WWI that included Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.
Central Powers
German submarines used during WWI to sink Allied ships, including cargo and passenger vessels.
U-Boat
Building up strong armed forces and being ready to use them. European nations built large militaries before WWI.
Militarism
Germany’s military plan to quickly defeat France by invading through Belgium, then turn to fight Russia. It failed and led to a long war.
Schlieffen Plan
Information, often exaggerated or biased, spread to influence people’s opinions or actions. Governments used propaganda posters to encourage support for the war.
Propaganda
A system where citizens are chosen by the government to serve in the military. Many nations used drafts to build up their armies in WWI.
Draft
When powerful countries take control of weaker regions for resources, land, or power. Competition for colonies helped cause WWI.
Imperialism
A nickname for American soldiers who fought in WWI.
Doughboys
An agreement to stop fighting. WWI’s armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, ending the fighting on the Western Front.
Armistice
Payments that the defeated countries (especially Germany) had to make after WWI to cover war damages.
Reparations
An agreement between countries to support and protect each other. Alliances pulled many nations into WWI.
Alliance
A situation where neither side can win or make progress. Trench warfare often led to stalemates.
Stalemate
A British passenger ship sunk by a German U-Boat in 1915, killing many civilians (including Americans). This event helped push the U.S. closer to joining WWI.
Lusitania
The alliance of France, Russia, and Britain before and during WWI.
Triple Entente
The stretch of fighting during WWI between Germany/Austria-Hungary and Russia.
Eastern Front
The activities of civilians back home who supported the war effort (such as rationing, working in factories, and growing victory gardens).
Home Front