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The Dual Alliance
An alliance between Austria-Hungary and Germany, and an achievement of German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. Both Germany and Russia had been concerned of a Russian attack, but by forming an alliance, Russia would have to attack both countries. The alliance also de-isolated Germany. -
The Triple Alliance
After Italy had lost colonial ties in North Africa, it sought allies to support it against France. The alliance was formed between Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Italy by a secret treaty, which ensured Italy's allies would provide aid if France attacked, that Italy would do the same if France attacked Germany, and that Italy would remain neutral in the event of war between Russia and Austria-Hungary. The alliance was also a defensive measure for Italy against Austria-Hungary, a rival state. -
The Entente Cordial
An agreement between Britain, France, and Russia that formed an alliance referred to as the Triple Entente. By signing the agreement, the rivalry between Britain and France ended, and colonial disputes were resolved. The agreement reflects each of the ally's concern over Germany's imperialistic behavior. -
The "No Separate Peace" Declaration
The Triple Entente alliance was augmented by this declaration, in which Britain, France, and Russia each agreed not to conclude peace separately during the war. -
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World War I
Lasting from 1914 to 1918, involving most European Nations, Russia, the Middle East, the U.S., and other areas, World War I resulted in the victory of Allied forces against the Central Powers, but the use of heavy artillery, gas, and bombs ensured an unprecedented level of casualties on both sides. The lasting results were the dying out of imperial ambitions by Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Turkey, as well as the Bolshevik Revolution, and setting the stage in Europe for World War II. -
First Battle of the Marne
An offensive by the French and British against the Germans advancing from Belgium into Northeastern France. The Germans failed to defeat the French and were forced into a defensive position, beginning the event of trench warfare along the Western Front. -
Treaty of London
A pact between the Triple Entente and Italy, in which the Allies would gain the support of Italy in return for territory promised to Italy in Austria-Hungary and other areas to the east. Italy agreed and joined the war with 36 million troops the following month, forfeiting their alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary. -
Gallipoli Campaign
A strategic offensive by the Allies, in which they landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey intending to allow their ships to pass through the Dardanelles, capture Turkey, and knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war. A stalemate and trench warfare resulted and the campaign had little success other than to take some pressure off of the Russians. -
The Brusilov Offensive
A Russian offensive on the Eastern front occurring simultaneously with offensive on the Western Front on the Somme River. It was the most successful Russian offensive of WW I, and a much needed victory for Russia as well as a helpful relief to Allies fighting on the Western Front. Germany was forced to take troops away from the Western Front in order to protect its ally, Austria-Hungary. -
Battle of the Somme
An unsuccessful Allied offensive on the Western Front, which resulted in high casualties just on the first day of the battle. Waves of 60,000 British troops passed "no man's land" heavily laden with supplies, and at such a slow pace that they were even easier targets for relentless German artillery. The battle lasted until November resulting in around 600,000 Allied casualties and 440,000 for Germany. -
The Decree on Peace
Following Vladimir Lenin's return from exile, thanks to Germany, he wrote this decree, which proposed Russian withdrawal from the war as soon as possible. -
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
An peace treaty between Russia's new Bolshevik government and the Central Powers, which took Russia out of the war. The agreement came at a large territorial price for Russia, but provided much needed economic relief in a time of domestic turmoil i.e. the Russian Civil War. Germany was also happy as a result, because they no longer needed to worry about Russian offense on the Eastern Front. -
German Spring Offensive
German attacks along the Western Front intending to inflict as many casualties on the British as possible before the U.S. would get involved. The Germans quickly gained miles of ground against the Allies, but the only result was punching a hole in the Allied lines, and nothing really practical occurred. It also came at a high price in loss of life for Germany. -
Battle of Amiens
The Allied offensive began what would be called the "Hundred Days Offensive," and essentially ended the war. A counter-attack in response to the German Spring Offensives, and a huge success for Allied forces. Although, casualties were high, the gains were extremely important in bringing the war to an end. -
Armistice of Villa Giusti
Called for by Austria-Hungary after a decisive defeat at the Battle of Vittorio Veneto. Peace was formed between Austria-Hungary and Italy, and war ended on the Eastern Front. -
Armistice of Compiègne
Called for by Germany in 1918 after the stalemate of trench warfare on the Western Front was broken by the Allies, during which the Germans suffered major losses. The origin of Remembrance Day in Britain and Veterans Day in the U.S. -
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Paris Peace Conference
A meeting of the Allied Powers to determine the terms to be given to the defeated Central Powers. The conference resulted in five treaties and the creation of the League of Nations. -
Treaty of Versailles
While the Allies did agree to Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points, they wanted Germany to pay for reparations. The treaty reduced Germany's population and territory by 10 percent, deemed them responsible for the war, stated that they must pay thirty-three billion dollars; and reduced their military to 100,000 men. Although, the treaty was altered later in Germany's favor, hard feelings were felt long after, and the rising militarism of Germany in the decade before WW II can be traced to this treaty