Imperialism and WWI Study Guide

Militarism: The political orientation where a nations armed forces come to dominate a countrys
national policy. It is the M in M.A.N.I.A.

Total Warfare: Warfare unrestricted in terms of weapons, territory or combatants involved,

and/or objectives pursued.

E.M.P.I.R.E.: They are different causes/factors/motivations for Imperialism: Economic, Military,

Political, Ideological, Religious, Exploratory.

Nationalism: Pride and patriotism in ones nation. It is the N in M.A.N.I.A. and was one of the
causes of WWI due to independent nations trying to dominate each other and gain prestige.

America & WWI: The US entered WWI because of unrestricted submarine warfare that killed a
few American soldiers(Was originally neutral and traded with everyone). Amercia was crucial in
replenishing Allied forces, stopping the Spring offensive, and bringing an end to the 4 years of
stalemate.

Treaty of Versailles: The treaty that ended the war between Germany and the Allies. It stated
that: Alsace-Lorraine be returned to France, Rhineland be demilitarized, Saar Basin occupied by
France, the German Army be reduced to 100,000, Germany has no submarines or air force, no
union between Austria and Germany, Germany takes on war guilt, Germany pay 31 billion
dollars in reparations, Poland be made independent, and Germany loses all overseas colonies.

Austria-Hungary: One of the Central Powers that was allied with Germany before WWI. Austrias
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by Serbian nationalists which started WWI.

The Berlin Conference: The series of meetings in Berlin held by Otto von Bismarck with the
purpose of discussing how to divide Africa and avoid conflict among themselves. No African
were invited.

Imperialism & WWI: European nations controlled the vast majority of Asian and African peoples,
which expanded the range of WWI. Also, imperialism heightened rivalries between the
European nations due to control of resources and land.

Russia & WWI: Russia was one of the Allies that declared war on Austria-Hungary due to having
pledged support for Serbia. Russia was not industrialized, wasnt able to get support from the
Allies, and had 2 million soldiers killed, captured, or wounded. Because of the war, Russias
economy was crippled, which led to Russian communists overthrowing the Tsar and signing the
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk which ended Russias involvement in WWI. Later, Russia descended into
civil war.
Wilsons Fourteen Points: The 14 points made by Woodrow Wilson in order to eliminate
causes of war that was idealistic. When the Big Four met, self-interest was more focused rather
than the points.

British Rule in India: Due to the Mughal Empire declining, the East India Company gained
control over large parts of India. By the mid-1800s, the British government became more
involved in India and India provided huge amounts of raw materials along with a huge market.
However, due to lack of cultural knowledge, angered natives caused the Sepoy Rebellion.

Serbia: After Serbia became part of the Austro-Hungarian empire, Serbian nationalist wanted
independence like many other different ethnic/ national groups, which led to the assassination of
Archduke Franz Ferdinand that led to WWI.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne who was assassinated in
Sarjevo, Bosnia, by Serbian nationalists, which started WWI.

WWI outside of Europe: Due to imperialism, European nations controlled many overseas
colonies, which expanded the war. For example, Allied forces seized Germanys overseas
colonies.

Alliances: Alliances are signed treaties in which each each nation pledged to defend the other if
attacked. Because of having different neighbors, colonies, and military advantages, the Great
Powers formed alliances with each other.

Social Darwinism: The belief that only societies that moved aggressively to adapt to changing
circumstances would survive and prosper in the world governed by the law of survival of the
fittest. Colonial powers appealed to this and used this as an excuse for colonialism.

Opium Wars/Treaty of Nanjing: The Opium Wars were the wars between Britain and China due
to the increased restrictions on opium made by the Chinese emporer, in which the British won.
The result was the Treaty of Nanjing, which was a treaty between Britain and China which
changed Chinese regulations to benefit Britain.

Western Front vs. Eastern Front: On the Western Front, Germany was fighting against
everybody while on the Eastern Front, Russia was fighting against everybody. The fighting in the
Western Front was mainly based on trench warfare and because of this, there was a long
stalemate. On the Eastern Front, it was more mobile because of its large size, but there were
still trenches and stalemates. Russia, due to its lack of industrialization and resources, left the
war.

Industrial Warfare: Industrial Warfare is warfare in which nation-states were capable of raising
and equipping larger and deadlier armies navies because of industrialization. The increased use
of science and engineering allowed for more deadly weapons.
Technology & WWI: Because of industrialization, technology, science, and engineering
advanced, which led to the development of more deadlier weapons. One example is the
machine gun, which caused many deaths and made the war be fought on the defensive.