9781422286029

World War I

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Words to UNDERSTAND IN THIS CHAPTER front —a line of battle or zone of conflict between armies. Great Powers —the most important states of Europe in the period leading up to World War I. Kaiser —a German emperor in the period 1871–1918. nationalism —loyalty to one’s own ethnic group or people, which is often expressed as a demand for an indepen- dent state. neutrality —the state of not aiding or supporting either side in a conflict. ultimatum —a demand or set of demands issued by one state to another, the rejection of which is considered a cause for further action such as war.

were so full of excitement, fury, and enthusiasm,” a 23-year-old recruit wrote of the day his barracks learned that war had been declared. “It is a joy to go to the Front with such comrades. We are bound to be victo- rious!” Throngs of cheering civilians lined the train tracks as the young recruit and his unit moved out. Germans were hardly alone in the enthusiasm with which they greeted the outbreak of hostilities. In Vienna, the capital of Austria, an observer found “parades in the street, flags, ribbons, and music burst[ing] forth everywhere.” Multitudes of hat-waving men, and women blowing kisses and throwing flowers, gave French soldiers a giddy sendoff in Paris. Vast crowds assembled outside the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg and sang Russia’s national anthem. Vast crowds assembled outside Buckingham Palace in London and sang “God Save the King.” Europeans from all classes and backgrounds were swept up in a tide of patriotism. Few questioned what their leaders said about the loom- ing war. Most people assumed their country would prevail quickly—if