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Allies
One of the two major sides of the war, known as the Triple Entente-then later known as the Allies. This group consisted of: France, Britain, and Russia -
Central Powers
Earlier known as the Triple Alliance, the Central Powers were the second large side of the war. This group consisted of: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy, and the Ottoman Empire. -
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand-heir to Austrian throne, was shot by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip- a member of the black hand, an organization that promoted Serbian nationalism. Because of thise, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. -
Schlieffen Plan
The strategy Germany followed to attack France. This was to pass through Blegium-to attack Paris before France's alliance Russia could send troops to defend France. -
Sinking of Lusitania
German submarine sunk Bristish liner Lusitania-which of the 1198 people lost, 128 of which were Americans. Because of the loss of Americans, the U.S. turned against Germany and the Central Powers. -
Sinking of Arabic
Another German submarine sunk a British liner- known as Arabic. This sinking killed 2 Americans. Once again, Americans protested and Germany agreed not to sink anymore passenger ships. -
Sinkning of Sussex
Germany broke its promise about not attacking passenger ships by sinking French passenger ship, Sussex. About 80 passengers, including Americans were killed or injured. Again, U.S. s warned that it would break off diplomatic relations unless Germany changed its tactics. Again Germany agreed, but there was a condition: if the United States could not persuade Britain to lift its blockade against food and fertilizers, Germany would consider renewing unrestricted submarine warfare. -
Battle of the Somme
The first battle. Used trench warfare, caused 1.2 million casualties -
Zimmerman Note
A telegram from German foreign minister to the German ambassador in Mexico that was intercepted by British agents. Proposed alliance between Germany and U.S., claiming that Germany would help Mexico get their land (Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona) back if U.S. went to war. -
War Industries Board
Established in 1917, and reorganized in 1918 by Bernard M. Baruch, the War Industries Board was the main regulatory body that encouraged companies to use mass-production techniques to increase efficiency and urged them to eliminate waste by standardizing products. The WIB set production quotas and allocated raw materials. Under the WIB, industrial production in the United States increased by about 20 percent. -
Committee on Public Information
Nation's first propoganda agency, created to popularize the war. Head of the CPI was George Creel. His campaign was highly effective. -
Selective Service Acts of 1917
Passed to meet gov.'s need for momre fighting power. Required men to register with the government in order to be randomly selected for military service. -
Espionage and Sedition Acts
Congress passed the Espionage Act in June 1917, and the Sedition Acts in May 1918. They were made to prevent anyone from encouraging anti-war behavior, including speeches, writing, and posters. Those found guilty paid heavy fines and often spent an excessive amount of time in jail. These laws clearly defied against the First Amendment-freedom of speech. -
Second Battle of the Marne
United States helped fight against the Germans in the Second Battle of the Marne, helping lead tthe victory. -
Convoy System
American Vice Admiral William S. Sims convinced the British to try this. A heavy guard of destroyers escorted merchant ships back and forth acrosss the Atlantic in troops. Cut shipping fatalities in half. -
National War Labor Board
Established by President Wilson, made to deal with disputes between management and labor. Workers who refused to obey could have their draft exemptions removed ("Work or Fight"). Worked to improve factory conditions including an 8-hour work day, promoted safety inspections,and enforced child labor ban. -
Food Administration
Set up by Wilson under Herbert Hoover to help produce and conserve food. Instead of rationing food, he called on people to follow the “gospel of the clean plate.” He declared one day a week “meatless,” another “sweetless,” two days “wheatless,” and two other days “porkless.” As a result, American food shipments to the Allies tripled. -
Austria-Hungary surrenders to the Allies
On November 3, 1918, AustriaHungary surrendered to the Allies. That same day, German sailors mutinied against government authority. -
Establishment of the German Republic
After the mutiny in Germany started, everywhere in Germany, groups of soldiers and workers organized revolutionary councils. On. November 9th, socialists leaders in Berlin established a "german republic". -
Cease-fire and armistice
Germans were too exhausted to continue fighting, so they agreed to a cease-fire and signed an armistice (truce) that ended the war.
