ww1

Question 1

Militarism

Answer 1

A policy of aggressively building up a nation’s military to prepare for war. It contributed to the tension in Europe leading up to WWI as countries competed for military dominance.

Question 2

Alliances

Answer 2

Agreements between nations to support each other during conflict. These alliances, such as the Triple Alliance and Triple Entente, escalated regional tensions into a global war.

Question 3

Imperialism & Nationalism

Answer 3

Imperialism fueled global competition for colonies, while nationalism promoted intense pride and loyalty to one’s nation. Both were key forces that heightened tensions in Europe.

Question 4

Arms Race, Dreadnaughts & U-Boats

Answer 4

The arms race saw nations stockpiling advanced weapons, including dreadnought battleships and submarines (U-boats). This race for technological superiority increased the likelihood of war.

Question 5

Alsace-Lorraine

Answer 5

A disputed region between France and Germany. Its annexation by Germany after the Franco-Prussian War fueled French hostility, contributing to pre-war tensions.

Question 6

Balkans / Balkan Peninsula

Answer 6

A volatile region in Southeast Europe often called the “Powder Keg of Europe.” Nationalist and ethnic tensions made it a hotbed for conflict, including the spark for WWI.

Question 7

Self-Determination

Answer 7

The belief that ethnic groups have the right to form their own independent nations. This idea caused instability, particularly in the Balkans.

Question 8

Triple Alliance → Central Powers

Answer 8

A pre-war military alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. During the war, Italy left, and the group became known as the Central Powers.

Question 9

Triple Entente → Allied Powers

Answer 9

A pre-war understanding between France, Russia, and Britain. They formed the core of the Allied Powers during WWI.

Question 10

Western Front & Eastern Front

Answer 10

The Western Front saw trench warfare between Germany and France, while the Eastern Front was a more fluid battlefield between Germany and Russia.

Question 11

The Schlieffen Plan

Answer 11

Germany’s strategy to quickly defeat France by invading through Belgium before turning to fight Russia. Its failure led to a prolonged and deadly war.

Question 12

Deadlock / Stalemate

Answer 12

A situation where neither side could gain an advantage. Trench warfare on the Western Front led to years of stalemates.

Question 13

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Answer 13

Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. His assassination in 1914 by a Serbian nationalist was the immediate spark for WWI.

Question 14

Gavrilo Princip

Answer 14

A member of the Black Hand nationalist group who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand. His actions directly triggered WWI.

Question 15

Central Powers & Allied Powers

Answer 15

The Central Powers included Germany and Austria-Hungary, while the Allied Powers consisted of France, Britain, and Russia. These alliances defined the war’s opposing sides.

Question 16

Kaiser Wilhelm II

Answer 16

Emperor of Germany during WWI. His aggressive policies and militarism are often cited as contributing factors to the war.

Question 17

Czar Nicholas II

Answer 17

The last Emperor of Russia. His leadership during WWI and failure to address domestic unrest led to the Russian Revolution.

Question 18

Franco-Prussian War

Answer 18

A conflict between France and Prussia (Germany), resulting in German unification and the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine. This set the stage for future hostilities.
(1870-1871)

Question 19

Triple Alliance & Triple Entente

Answer 19

These rival alliances divided Europe and heightened tensions, laying the groundwork for WWI.
(1884-1907)

Question 20

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Answer 20

The immediate cause of WWI. His death led Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia, igniting the alliance system.
(June 1914)

Question 21

European Mobilization

Answer 21

As alliances triggered mutual defense agreements, European nations quickly mobilized for war, leading to the outbreak of WWI.
(July-August 1914)

Question 22

First Battle of the Marne

Answer 22

A key Allied victory that stopped Germany’s advance into France. It marked the start of trench warfare.
(September 1914)

Question 23

Gallipoli Campaign

Answer 23

An Allied attempt to control the Dardanelles and open a supply route to Russia. The campaign failed disastrously.
(February 1915 - January 1916)

Question 24

Battle of Verdun

Answer 24

One of the longest and bloodiest battles of WWI. France successfully defended against a massive German offensive.
(February - December 1916)

Question 25

Battle of the Somme

Answer 25

A brutal battle marked by massive casualties on both sides. It highlighted the horrors of trench warfare and modern weaponry. (July - November 1916)

Question 26

US Neutrality

Answer 26

The U.S. initially adopted a policy of neutrality, avoiding involvement in WWI. However, increasing threats to American interests eventually led to their entry into the war.

Question 27

Liberty Bonds & Victory Gardens

Answer 27

Liberty Bonds helped finance the war effort, while Victory Gardens encouraged citizens to grow their own food to support the troops.

Question 28

Espionage & Sedition

Answer 28

Laws passed to suppress dissent during the war. The Espionage Act targeted spies, while the Sedition Act punished criticism of the government.

Question 29

Armistice

Answer 29

A ceasefire agreement that ended fighting in WWI on November 11, 1918, at 11:00 am.

Question 30

President Woodrow Wilson

Answer 30

U.S. President during WWI. He led the nation into the war in 1917 and played a key role in post-war peace negotiations.

Question 31

Vladimir Lenin & Bolsheviks

Answer 31

Lenin led the Bolsheviks in the Russian Revolution, establishing a communist government. This led to Russia’s withdrawal from WWI.

Question 32

Gen. John J. Pershing & American Expeditionary Forces (AEF)

Answer 32

Pershing commanded the AEF, leading U.S. troops in major offensives that helped turn the tide of the war.

Question 33

War Industries Board (WIB)

Answer 33

A government agency that coordinated the production of war materials and industrial mobilization during WWI.

Question 34

Harlem Hellfighters

Answer 34

An African American regiment that fought valiantly in France. They earned widespread respect for their bravery despite discrimination.

Question 35

Maj. Julia C. Stimson & Army Nurse Corps (ANC)

Answer 35

Stimson led the ANC, which played a crucial role in caring for wounded soldiers during the war.

Question 36

Herbert Hoover & Food Administration

Answer 36

Hoover managed food production and distribution, promoting conservation efforts like "Meatless Mondays" to support the war effort.

Question 37

Committee on Public Information (CPI)

Answer 37

A government agency led by George Creel that promoted pro-war propaganda to boost public support for WWI.

Question 38

Manfred von Richthofen & Eddie Rickenbacker

Answer 38

The "Red Baron" and America's top flying ace, respectively. They became famous for their aerial combat skills during WWI.

Question 39

Election of 1912 / Wilson’s First Term

Answer 39

A critical election in which Wilson defeated Taft and Roosevelt, setting the stage for progressive reforms and his WWI leadership.

Question 40

Sinking of R.M.S. Lusitania

Answer 40

A British passenger ship sunk by a German U-boat, killing American citizens and pushing the U.S. closer to war. (May 1915)

Question 41

Election of 1916 / Wilson’s Second Term

Answer 41

Wilson won re-election with the slogan "He Kept Us Out of War," though the U.S. entered WWI shortly after.

Question 42

Zimmerman Telegram

Answer 42

A secret German proposal to Mexico to join the war against the U.S. Its interception helped sway American public opinion toward war. (January 1917)

Question 43

Russian Revolution

Answer 43

Russian Revolution (March 1917 - March 1918) (March 1917 - March 1918)

Question 44

US joining

Answer 44

The U.S. joined the Allies, citing unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmerman Telegram as key reasons. (April 1917)

Question 45

Battle of Chateau Thierry

Answer 45

A key battle where U.S. forces helped halt a German advance, marking a turning point in the war. (July 1918)

Question 46

Argonne Campaign

Answer 46

The largest U.S. military offensive of WWI. It contributed significantly to the eventual Allied victory. (October - November 1918)

Question 47

Armistice Day

Answer 47

The day the fighting in WWI officially ended. This date became a symbol of peace and remembrance. (November 11, 1918)

Question 48

Wilson’s Fourteen Points

Answer 48

A peace proposal by President Wilson aimed at preventing future conflicts. Key points included self-determination, free navigation of seas, and the establishment of the League of Nations.

Question 49

Public Diplomacy

Answer 49

A principle from Wilson’s Fourteen Points advocating for open and transparent treaty negotiations between nations.

Question 50

Free Navigation of Seas

Answer 50

A point in Wilson's plan that called for unrestricted access to international waters during both peace and war.

Question 51

Self-Determination

Answer 51

The right of ethnic groups to form their own nations. This idea reshaped Europe but also caused tensions in regions like the Middle East.

Question 52

League of Nations

Answer 52

An international organization formed to maintain peace and resolve conflicts diplomatically. The U.S. did not join, weakening its influence.

Question 53

Reparations

Answer 53

Payments imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles to compensate the Allies for war damages. These heavy financial burdens fueled resentment in Germany. June 28, 1919

Question 54

Isolationism

Answer 54

A policy embraced by the U.S. after WWI to avoid involvement in international conflicts.

Question 55

First Lady Edith Wilson

Answer 55

She took on significant administrative duties after President Wilson’s stroke, essentially acting as a gatekeeper to his presidency.

Question 56

Spanish Flu

Answer 56

A global pandemic that killed millions, including many soldiers returning from WWI. It spread rapidly due to wartime troop movements. (February 1918 - April 1920)

Question 57

Paris Peace Conference → Treaty of Versailles

Answer 57

A meeting of Allied leaders to negotiate the post-war settlement. The Treaty of Versailles officially ended WWI, imposing harsh penalties on Germany and reshaping Europe’s borders. (January - June 1919)