World War I Key Terms

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Nationalism

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A strong feeling of pride in and devotion to one's country. It can unite people together in a country, but it can also act as a divider and separate people from one country to the next.

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Militarism

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The belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend themselves.

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Triple Alliance

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A military alliance among Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

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Triple Entente

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An alliance between Great Britain, France, and Russia before World War I.

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Kaiser Wilhelm II

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The last German Emperor and King of Prussia, ruling from 1888 to 1918.

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Central Powers

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The alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria during World War I.

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Allies

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The countries that fought against the Central Powers during World War I, including France, Britain, Russia, Italy, and later the United States.

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Western Front

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The main western side of the Central Powers during World War I, characterized by trench warfare and a stalemate between the Allies and Central Powers.

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Eastern Front

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The entire frontier between the Russian Empire and Romania on one side and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Bulgaria, the Ottoman Empire, and the German Empire on the other. This area was a more mobile part of the war during WW1 opposed to the stalemate and trench warfare on the Western Front.

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Trench Warfare

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A type of combat in which opposing troops fight from trenches facing each other.