History 1. WW1 Key terms Flashcards
Key terms (25 cards)
Great Powers
Countries that have international influence and military strength
Imperialism
Extending a nation’s power and influence by colonizing other countries
Alliance
An agreement between countries that benefits each of them
Balance of power
A belief in that the size and power of the alliances of the Great Powers would prevent either side starting a war
Encirclement
To be surrounded (e.g. Germany)
Arms race
A competition between countries over the development and production of weapons
Militarism
A belief that it is necessary to have strong armed forces and that this force should be used as a solution to any threat
Annex
To seize an area of land, normally by force, and make it part of your country
Nationalism
An intense form of patriotism where the value and importance of your country is exaggerated
Brinkmanship
To pursue a dangerous policy to the limits of safety especially in politics
Ultimatum
A final demand, the rejection of which will result in a breakdown of relations
Conscription
Forcing ordinary citizens to fight as soldiers in a war
Stalemate
A situation where neither side fighting in a war can make progress
Trenches
Connection of long narrow ditches for soldiers to take shelter from enemy fire
Artillery
Heavy guns and cannons firing shells
Bombardment
A continuous attack with shells (shelling), intended to destroy trench defences, especially barbed wire
Armistice
a ceasefire between the Allies and the Germans
Naval blockade
Allied efforts to restrict the supply of essential goods back to Germany
Gas
A poisonous agent used in warfare
Tanks
A heavy armoured fighting vehicle carrying guns and moving on a continuous metal track
Big Three
The leaders of the three main Allied powers – France, Britain, USA
Demilitarised
To remove all troops and weapons from an area
Reparations
Financial compensation for war damage paid by a defeated state
Treaty
A formal agreement between states
