World War I Flashcards
(28 cards)
What was World War I?
A global conflict from 1914 to 1918 involving most of the world’s great powers. Began after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and ended with over 16 million dead and major political shifts.
What triggered the July Crisis?
A diplomatic crisis in July 1914 triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
What was the Race to the Sea?
A series of maneuvers from Sept–Oct 1914 where German and Allied forces tried to outflank each other in northern France and Belgium, ending in stalemate and trench warfare.
What is Trench Warfare?
A form of warfare in which armies fight from trenches facing each other. Common on the Western Front during WWI.
What is a War of Attrition?
A military strategy where each side tries to wear down the other by continual losses. Seen in battles like Verdun and the Somme.
What is Manoeuvre Warfare?
A military strategy emphasizing movement and flexibility to defeat the enemy. Used more at the beginning and end of WWI.
What was the 100 Days Offensive?
Final Allied offensives between Aug–Nov 1918 that broke German lines and led to the armistice on Nov 11.
What does Poilu mean?
Nickname for a French infantryman during WWI, symbolizing bravery and endurance on the front lines.
Who were the Munitionettes?
British women who worked in munitions factories during WWI, playing a crucial role in keeping armies supplied.
What was the Battle of Verdun?
Fought in 1916 between France and Germany; one of the bloodiest battles of WWI and a symbol of French resistance.
What was the Battle of the Somme?
A major 1916 British and French offensive against German forces in northern France. Over 1 million casualties and minimal territorial gain.
What was Gallipoli?
A failed 1915 Allied campaign to control the Dardanelles. Heavy losses, especially among ANZAC troops, and a major Ottoman victory.
What is an Armistice?
Signed on November 11, 1918, it ended the fighting on the Western Front and marked the end of WWI combat.
What was the Spring Offensive?
Germany’s last major push in 1918 aiming to win the war before American forces arrived. Initially successful but ultimately failed.
What was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?
Peace treaty signed in March 1918 between Germany and Soviet Russia, ending Russia’s involvement in WWI.
What is a Mutiny?
A rebellion by soldiers or sailors against authority. Occurred among French troops in 1917 due to harsh conditions.
What is Trenchfoot?
A medical condition from prolonged exposure to damp and cold trenches, leading to infection and injury.
What is Shell Shock?
A psychological condition from prolonged exposure to warfare and bombardment. Now recognized as PTSD.
What is a Creeping Barrage?
A tactic where artillery fire moves forward in stages just ahead of advancing troops to protect them during attacks.
What is Barbed Wire?
Sharp fencing used to defend trenches and trap advancing enemy soldiers. Made charges across No Man’s Land extremely dangerous.
What is No Man’s Land?
The deadly territory between opposing trenches, filled with barbed wire and constantly under threat from enemy fire.
What is Nationalism?
Strong belief in the superiority and interests of one’s nation. Fueled tensions and rivalries that led to WWI.
What are Alliances?
Agreements between countries to defend one another in war. Central to the escalation of WWI.
What was the Triple Alliance?
A pre-war military alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. Italy left during the war.
