World War I Key Terms and Concepts

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Militarism

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The belief in building up a strong military and being ready to use it to defend or promote national interests; cause of WWI.

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Alliances

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Agreements between countries to support and protect each other in case of conflict; helped draw multiple nations into WWI.

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Imperialism

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When a stronger country takes over weaker territories for resources and power; increased tension among European nations before WWI.

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Nationalism

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Extreme pride in one's country or ethnic group, often leading to competition or conflict with others.

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Western Front

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The main battleground during WWI, located in France and Belgium, where trench warfare caused heavy casualties.

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Zimmermann Telegram

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A secret message from Germany to Mexico proposing an alliance against the U.S.; its discovery helped lead to U.S. entry into WWI.

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Selective Service Act

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A law that required American men to register for military service (the draft) during WWI.

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Espionage Act

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A law making it illegal to interfere with the military draft or support U.S. enemies during wartime.

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Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points

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President Wilson’s plan for postwar peace, including free trade, open diplomacy, and a League of Nations.

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John J. Pershing

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The U.S. general who led the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in Europe during World War I.