World War I Key Terms

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

The group of nations led by Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria that opposed the Allies in World War I.

A formal agreement to stop fighting; World War I fighting ended when an armistice went into effect on November 11, 1918.

A style of fighting in which opposing armies dug long, fortified ditches (trenches) and faced each other across a “no man’s land,” causing slow, deadly stalemates.

The dangerous, open territory between opposing trenches where soldiers were extremely vulnerable to fire.

Information, often biased or misleading, used by governments or groups to influence public opinion and encourage support for the war effort.

The process of preparing and organizing a nation’s military forces and resources for war.

Mandatory enlistment of citizens into a nation’s armed forces; also called “the draft.”

A war that involves not only armies but entire societies, where governments mobilize civilians, industries, and resources to support the war effort.

A German submarine used to sink military and civilian ships; unrestricted U-boat attacks were a major cause of tensions with neutral countries.