World War I
Definition
World War I was a major global conflict that took place primarily in Europe between 1914 and 1918. It involved many of the world's leading powers divided into two opposing alliances: the Allies (including France, Russia, and the United Kingdom) and the Central Powers (primarily Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Turkey).
Analogy
Think of World War I like a massive schoolyard fight where different groups of friends (countries) are taking sides based on old grudges, alliances, or shared interests.
Related terms
Treaty of Versailles: This was the peace treaty that officially ended World War I. It held Germany responsible for starting the war and imposed heavy penalties.
Alliances: In a historical context, these are agreements between countries to support each other in times of war. Alliances played a major role in both starting and escalating World War I.
Trench Warfare: This was a type of combat used extensively in World War I where opposing troops fought from trenches facing each other across a battlefield. It led to high casualties and is one of the defining features of World War I.
"World War I" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (20+)
What was the impact of the Espionage Act of 1917 on civil liberties in the United States during World War I?
How did the United States' entry into World War I impact the suffrage movement?
Which of the following groups was targeted by the Red Scare in the aftermath of World War I?
Which of the following was a key factor in the United States' decision to enter World War I?
Which of the following was a result of World War I, World War II, and the Cold War?
Which of the following was a significant impact of World War I on American society?
Which conflict triggered American involvement in World War I?
Which phenomenon happening during both World War I (1914-1918) and Vietnam War (1955-1975) suggests an ongoing trend in American foreign policy?
Which event triggered World War I involving a prominent political figure's assassination?
Which aspect of American identity persisted during both World War I and II?
What technological innovation drastically changed warfare tactics during World War I?
What factor contributed to the United States' ongoing global influence after World War I?
Who was president when World War I began?
What impact did World War I have on migration patterns within America?
What U.S policy, adopted after entering World War I, involved providing food, loans, and military hardware to Allied countries?
Which legislation authorized a draft for young men for military service in Europe during World War I?
What legislation ensured better workplace conditions for shipyard workers during World War I?
Who was the U.S. President during World War I?
Who led Germany as Chancellor during most of World War I?
Who were the main adversaries in World War I?
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