World War I

Nationalism A feeling of intense pride one’s homeland. Primary emphasis is placed on promoting one’s homeland’s culture and interests above those of other countries. Leading up to WW1, each nation viewed other nations as competitors and many people were willing to go to war to expand their nation at the expense of others.

Militarism Glorification of the military. Fueled an arms race leading up to WW1.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, who was assassinated during a visit to the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo. The Austro-Hungarian government blamed Serbia for the attack and decided to attack. This starts a chain of events that will begin World War I.

Triple Alliance/ Central Powers Triple Alliance – Germany – Austria- Hungary – Italy Central Powers – Germany – Austria-Hungary – Ottoman Empire **Italy joined the Allies in 1915 due to the promise of land.**

Kaiser Wilhelm The German Emperor who made an alliance with Austria-Hungary after the assasinatio of Franz Ferdinand.

Triple Entente/ Allied Powers Triple Entente: – Britain – France – Russia Allied Powers – Britain – France – Russia – Italy **Eventually the US will join WWI on the side of the allies.

U-Boat German submarines

Lusitania British passenger liner carrying 128 American passengers that was sunk in 1915 by German U-boats. Steered the US towards war with Germany, because many Americans viewed it as an act of terrorism, not war.

Zimmerman Note Telegram from the German ambassador to the Mexican government. In it, Zimmerman proposed that Mexico ally itself with Germany in the event of war between Germany and the United States. Intercepted by British intelligence and released to American newspapers.

Selective Service Act Required that all men between 21 and 30 register for the draft. A lottery randomly determined the order they were called before a local draft board.

War Industries Board One of the first war agencies created. The WIB’s job was to coordinate the production of war materials. The WIB essentially told manufacturers what to produce, controlled the flow of raw materials, approved the construction of new factories, and occasionally set prices.

Committee of Public Information Agency that provided propaganda to rally citizen support for all aspects of the war effort.

Conscientious Objectors People whose moral or religious beliefs forbid them to fight in wars. In theory, the Selective Service Act exempts them from combat service.

Espionage Act Established penalties and prison terms to anyone who aided the enemy. Also allowed the postal authorities to ban magazines and newspapers or other printed materials.

Sedition Act Made it unlawful to use “disloyal, profane, scurrilous, or abusive language about the American government, the Constitution, or the military forces.

Fourteen Points Wilson’s plan for peace. Based on the “principle of justice to all peoples and nationalities.” 14 th point was the League of Nations

League of Nations A “general association of nations” with the purpose of preserving peace and preventing future wars. The United States never joins the LON.

Convoy System Merchant shops and troop transports were gathered into groups and escorted across the Atlantic with warships. Greatly reduced shipping losses and ensured that American troops would arrive safely in Europe.

Reparations Money paid to make up for war damages.

Treaty of Versailles Peace treaty between the Central Powers and the Allies at the end of WWI. Despite Wilson’s hopes, the terms of the treaty were harsh. **know the terms of the treaty**