World War One Test Review Session

Militarism – The process of building up a strong military. Many nations were building up strong militaries in order to spread their power. This helped lead to WWI

Alliances – This is when nations join together for defense. Nations grouped together prior to WWI and when one little thing happened, a nations got dragged in because of alliances.

Imperialism – When big nations take over little countries. Nations were expanding, developing their armies, and coming into conflict with each other over expansion.

Nationalism – Intense loyalty to one’s country. Everyone was very willing to fight for their country. People who didn’t have their own country, were willing to fight/kill to get them.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare – Germany’s plan to attack any ship that they saw near Britain or France. This lead to US ships being sunk and drew us into the war

Democracy – Allows people to pick their leaders. When Russia became a democracy, President Wilson was able to claim that the war was for democracy because the Allies were democratic and the Central Powers were not.

Loans – Giving someone money that they’ll pay back later. US banks loaned a lot of money to Britain and France. We were worried that if they lost the war, they wouldn’t be able to pay us back, so we joined.  By the way, we won.

Mobilization – Everything that a nation does to get ready to fight. The process of mobilization is a difficult one, but essential for winning a war.

Propaganda – Materials used to persuade or convince people. The US used propaganda to help recruit army guys and help pay for the war. Allies used propaganda to convince the US to join

Rationing – Limiting the amount of something that people can consume (food, metal, etc…) In order to supply the army, the US rationed items on the home front.

Dissent – To disagree. Many people, like Charles Schenck, disagreed with the war and opposed it. This lead to limitations on their rights.

Liberty Bonds – Loans made to the government for the war. The US sold these bonds to finance supplies.

National War Labor Board – This group was in charge of the mobilization effort. They centralized preparation and made sure that everything was taken care of because stuff doesn’t just happen, people have to make it happen.