world war 1 Flashcards
imperialism
the rule of one country over other countries or territories. There were conflicts over power and resources.
colonies
a group of people who leave their native country to form in a new land a settlement subject to, or connected with, the parent nation.
militarism
A policy of making a country’s armed forces strong. The allowance of political situation in which military interests dominate govt policy. Germany competed with Britain, France, Russia, to build the largest/best equipped army.
nationalism
intense feeling of loyalty to one’s own country & culture. Was powerful force throughout Europe, especially in the Balkans.
black hand
Serbian nationalist/terrorist group responsible for the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand which resulted in the start of World War I.
alliances
close associations of nations for the achievement of common objectives.
triple alliances (central powers)
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
triple entente (allied powers)
France, Russia, Britain
blank cheque
Germany’s decision to give Austria unconditional support
ultimatum
a demand or threat that is final
sir sam Hughes
Canada’s minister of Militia, also put in charge of armament industry. He was later dismissed from his post for the poor quality of the exploding shells and other military equipment. He also awarded large govt contracts to his friends, profiteers, who were more interested in making money than quality goods. also in charge of military training for Canada’s troops
ross rifle
A very inefficient rifle used by Canadian soldiers during the first two years of the First World War. The soldiers disliked the rifle as it frequently jammed in the mud of northern France. In 1916, it was replaced by the more durable Lee Enfield rifle.
lieutenant-general Arthur currie
Commanded the Canadian corps
- significant because this is the first time the British gave up command to a Canadian
no man’s land
A strip of land between the trenches of opposing armies along the Western Front during WW1 where you could not go because you would be killed. There was lots of barbed wire.
battle of attrition
a battle in which each side tries to wear down the other side with constant attacks. It was used on the eastern front and resulted in massive casualties
total war
A conflict in which the participating countries devote all their resources to the war effort
battle of Ypres
A World War One battle where poison gas was be used, by the Germans (and British later), for the first time. Canadians fought hard to close the gap in the trenches left by the fleeing of French-algerian and Canadian soldiers. April 22, 1915 – May 25, 1915
battle of somme
A 1916 WWI (1914-1918) battle between German and British forces. Ending in a stalemate, the bitter three-month conflict is notable for the high number of casualties- 1.25 million men killed or wounded - and the first use of tanks in warfare. July 1-november 18 1916
battle of vimy ridge
the first time the Canadians attacked together in WWI. They achieved a magnificent victory, sweeping the Germans off the ridge. April 9-12 1917.
shell shock
Medical condition caused by prolonged exposure to the distressing experiences of trench warfare. (PTSD)
battle of Passchendaele
General Haig commanded Arthur Currie to retake Passchendaele Ridge in Belgium. Currie warned Haig of the casualties but Haig was not persuaded. Allies won the battle, but 15 000 Canadian lives ended, and nearly half a million soldiers on both sides. July 31, 1917- nov 10, 1917
ace
military aviator who shot down 5 enemy aircrafts.
billy bishop
Canadian flying ace. He took down 72 planes. He was first Canadian pilot awarded the Victoria Cross.
u-boats
German submarines used in World War I. could travel underwater without being detected or seen.
halifax explosion
(December 6th 1917), French vessel Mont Blanc carrying over 2500 t of dynamite was accidentally hit by another ship. between 2000-3000 were killed, more than 10 000 injured.
enemy aliens
Immigrants in Canada from the central power nations who were considered a threat to the Canadian war effort in World War 1