vocab terms

Question 1

nationalism

Answer 1

Nationalism is the belief in prioritizing a nation’s interests and culture, promoting pride and unity among its people.

Question 2

imperialism

Answer 2

Imperialism is the policy of extending a country’s power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means. It often involves dominating other nations or territories for economic and political gain.

Question 3

Triple entente

Answer 3

The Triple Entente was an agreement between France, Russia, and Great Britain before World War I to support each other against Germany and its allies.

Question 4

militarism

Answer 4

Militarism is the belief in building up strong armed forces and being ready to use them to defend or promote a country’s interests.

Question 5

allies

Answer 5

Allies are countries or groups that work together for a common purpose, especially in military contexts. In history, this often refers to nations that join forces to fight against a common enemy.

Question 6

triple alliance

Answer 6

The Triple Alliance was a military agreement between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy before World War I, where they promised to support each other in case of war.

Question 7

central powers

Answer 7

Central Powers refers to the alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria during World War I. They fought against the Allies.

Question 8

balance of power

Answer 8

Balance of power is a situation in which countries or groups have equal strength, preventing any one from becoming too powerful. This helps maintain stability and peace.

Question 9

sir robert borden

Answer 9

Sir Robert Borden was a Canadian Prime Minister from 1911 to 1920, known for leading Canada during World War I and for promoting Canadian autonomy within the British Empire.

Question 10

national identity

Answer 10

National identity is the sense of belonging to a specific nation, characterized by shared culture, language, history, and values that distinguish one group from others.

Question 11

Canadian Expenditionary Force

Answer 11

The Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) was the military organization created by Canada to send soldiers to fight in World War I. It was formed in 1914 and played a significant role in various battles on the Western Front.

Question 12

Sam Hughes

Answer 12

Sam Hughes was a Canadian politician and Minister of Militia and Defence during World War I. He was responsible for organizing the Canadian Expeditionary Force and is known for his controversial policies and the introduction of the Ross rifle.

Question 13

ross rifle

Answer 13

The Ross rifle was a Canadian-made bolt-action rifle used by soldiers during World War I. It was initially praised for its accuracy but later criticized for its poor performance in muddy conditions and its tendency to jam, leading to its eventual replacement.

Question 14

lee-enfield rifle

Answer 14

The Lee-Enfield rifle was a British bolt-action rifle used by Canadian and British forces during World War I and World War II. Known for its reliability, rapid rate of fire, and accuracy, it became one of the most widely used military rifles of its time.

Question 15

War measures act

Answer 15

The War Measures Act was a law in Canada that gave the government the power to take emergency actions during times of war, including controlling the economy and detaining people without trial.

Question 16

habeus corpus

Answer 16

Habeas corpus works by allowing a person who is detained to file a petition in court. When the petition is submitted, the court orders the detaining authority to present the detained individual and provide justification for the detention. If the court finds the detention unlawful, it can order the release of the individual. This process helps protect individual rights and prevents arbitrary imprisonment.

Question 17

Internment camps

Answer 17

Internment camps are facilities where individuals are detained, often during wartime, typically without trial or due process. These camps have been used to confine specific groups, such as political prisoners or ethnic minorities, based on perceived security threats.

Question 18

propaganda

Answer 18

Propaganda is information, often biased or misleading, used to promote a particular political cause or ideology. It aims to influence public opinion and behavior by shaping perceptions and emotions.

Question 19

Dirigibles/Airships

Answer 19

Dirigibles, or airships, are lighter-than-air aircraft that are propelled through the air by engines and can be steered. They are typically filled with gas, such as helium or hydrogen, which provides lift.

Question 20

U-Boats

Answer 20

U-Boats are German submarines used primarily during World War I and World War II. The term “U-Boat” is derived from the German word “Unterseeboot,” meaning “undersea boat.” They were designed for naval warfare, including attacking enemy ships and disrupting supply lines.

Question 21

Torpedoes

Answer 21

Torpedoes are underwater missiles that are designed to explode on contact with or near a target, typically used against ships and submarines.

Question 22

chlorine gas

Answer 22

Chlorine gas is a toxic, yellow-green gas with a strong, pungent odor. It is used as a disinfectant and in the production of various chemicals, but it can be harmful or fatal if inhaled in high concentrations.

Question 23

trench warfare

Answer 23

Trench warfare is a type of combat in which opposing troops fight from deep trenches or ditches, often resulting in a stalemate. It was notably used during World War I, where soldiers faced harsh conditions and limited mobility.

Question 24

trench foot

Answer 24

Trench foot is a medical condition caused by prolonged exposure of the feet to damp, unsanitary, and cold conditions, leading to tissue damage and potential infection. It was common among soldiers in the trenches during World War I.

Question 25

shell shock

Answer 25

Shell shock is a term used to describe psychological trauma experienced by soldiers during war, particularly in World War I, often resulting in anxiety, nightmares, and other mental health issues due to the stresses of combat.

Question 26

over the top

Answer 26

"Over the top" refers to the military tactic used during World War I when soldiers would leave the safety of their trenches and advance across no man's land towards enemy positions, often resulting in heavy casualties.

Question 27

No man’s Land

Answer 27

No man's land is the area between opposing trenches during World War I, characterized by its extreme danger and often filled with barbed wire, mines, and debris. It was a desolate space where soldiers faced high risks if they attempted to cross it.

Question 28

Western Front

Answer 28

The Western Front was the main theater of fighting during World War I, stretching from the North Sea to the Swiss border, where Allied and Central Powers faced off in a series of trench battles.

Question 29

Eastern front

Answer 29

The Eastern Front was the theater of conflict during World War I that stretched from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Black Sea in the south, where the Central Powers, primarily Germany and Austria-Hungary, fought against Russia and later Romania, leading to significant territorial changes and casualties.

Question 30

Ypres

Answer 30

Ypres is a city in Belgium that was the site of several significant battles during World War I, including the First, Second, and Third Battles of Ypres, known for the use of chemical weapons and heavy fighting, resulting in massive casualties.

Question 31

somme

Answer 31

Somme refers to a major battle in World War I fought between July and November 1916, primarily between British and German forces, known for its high casualties and the introduction of the tank as a military weapon.

Question 32

vimy ridge

Answer 32

Vimy Ridge was a significant battle during World War I, fought from April 9 to April 12, 1917, where Canadian forces achieved a remarkable victory against the Germans, marking a turning point in the war and symbolizing Canadian national pride and unity.

Question 33

when did the war take place

Answer 33

World War I started in 1914 and ended in 1918.

Question 34

Passchendaele

Answer 34

Passchendaele, also known as the Third Battle of Ypres, was a brutal and muddy World War I battle fought between July and November 1917 near the Belgian village of Passchendaele, resulting in massive casualties and minimal territorial gains for the Allies.

Question 35

General Haig

Answer 35

General Haig was a British senior officer during World War I, known for commanding the British Expeditionary Force and leading key battles, including the Somme and Passchendaele.

Question 36

Arthur Currie

Answer 36

Arthur Currie was a Canadian general during World War I, known for his leadership in battles such as Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele, and for being the first Canadian to command the Canadian Corps.

Question 37

Billy Bishop

Answer 37

Billy Bishop was a Canadian flying ace during World War I, credited with 72 victories, making him one of the top Allied aces of the war.

Question 38

John McRae

Answer 38

John McCrae was a Canadian poet, physician, and soldier during World War I, best known for writing the famous war memorial poem "In Flanders Fields."

Question 39

casualties

Answer 39

Casualties refer to people who are killed, injured, or missing in a conflict or disaster. In military terms, it often includes soldiers who are wounded or killed during battles.

Question 40

Royal Flying Corps

Answer 40

The Royal Flying Corps (RFC) was the aerial warfare branch of the British Army during World War I, responsible for reconnaissance, bombing, and fighter operations before it merged with the Royal Naval Air Service to form the Royal Air Force in 1918.

Question 41

Merchant Marine

Answer 41

The Merchant Marine is a fleet of civilian ships and sailors that transport goods and materials for trade and commerce. They play a crucial role in supporting the economy and can also assist in military operations during times of war.

Question 42

convoys

Answer 42

Convoys are groups of ships or vehicles that travel together for protection and safety, especially during times of war. They help to guard against attacks from enemies while transporting goods or troops.

Question 43

Victory Bonds

Answer 43

Victory Bonds are government-issued bonds sold to raise money for military efforts during a war. People buy these bonds to support the war, and in return, they receive interest over time and get their money back after a certain period.

Question 44

income tax

Answer 44

Income tax is a tax that the government collects from people’s earnings or income. It’s usually a percentage of what you earn, and it helps pay for public services like schools, roads, and healthcare.

Question 45

Halifax Disaster

Answer 45

The Halifax Disaster was a huge explosion in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on December 6, 1917, caused by two ships colliding. It killed about 2,000 people and destroyed much of the city. One of the largest man made explosions

Question 46

conscription

Answer 46

Conscription is when the government requires people to join the military service. It’s also known as a military draft.

Question 47

Hundred days

Answer 47

The Hundred Days in World War I refers to the final period of fighting from August 8 to November 11, 1918. During this time, Allied forces launched a series of successful offensives against German troops, leading to the end of the war.

Question 48

armistice

Answer 48

An armistice is an agreement between fighting parties to stop fighting. It’s like a truce, often leading to negotiations for peace. In World War I, the armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, ending the fighting.

Question 49

Treaty of Versailles

Answer 49

The Treaty of Versailles was a peace agreement signed in 1919 that ended World War I. It set the rules for peace and punished Germany by making them pay reparations and give up territory.

Question 50

Paris Peace Conference

Answer 50

The Paris Peace Conference was a meeting held in 1919 where leaders from different countries gathered to discuss how to end World War I and create peace treaties. It was where decisions about the future of Europe were made, including the Treaty of Versailles.

Question 51

Reparations

Answer 51

Reparations are payments made by a country to compensate for damages caused during a war. After World War I, Germany was required to pay reparations to the Allied countries for the destruction and suffering caused by the war.

Question 52

Rationing

Answer 52

Rationing is when the government controls the amount of certain goods people can buy or use. This often happens during wars or shortages to ensure that everyone gets a fair share of limited resources, like food or fuel.

Question 53

sanctions

Answer 53

Sanctions are penalties or restrictions imposed by one country or group of countries on another to influence behavior, often in response to actions like violating international laws or human rights. They can include trade restrictions, financial penalties, or travel bans.

Question 54

sanctions

Answer 54

Sanctions are penalties one country puts on another to try to change its behavior, like stopping trade or freezing money.