Origins of the First World War

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. great power
    a state powerful enough to influence events throughout the world
    But this picture of reduced tensions and of increasing stability amongst Europe’s great powers was illusory.
  2. tranquility
    an untroubled state that is free from disturbances
    Sir Winston Churchill, writing in the 1920s, recalled that ‘the spring and summer of 1914 were marked in Europe by an exceptional tranquility’.
  3. wrack
    the destruction or collapse of something
    Since 1900, Europe had been wracked by a series of crises, each of which had brought her great powers closer to war.
  4. amicably
    in a friendly manner
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  5. illusory
    having the nature of something unreal or deceptive
    But this picture of reduced tensions and of increasing stability amongst Europe’s great powers was illusory.
  6. Austria-Hungary
    a geographical area in central and eastern Europe
    Austria-Hungary and Russia had refused to allow their Balkan ‘clients’ to draw them into war in 1912 and 1913.
  7. 1920s
    the decade from 1920 to 1929
    Sir Winston Churchill, writing in the 1920s, recalled that ‘the spring and summer of 1914 were marked in Europe by an exceptional tranquility’.
  8. insoluble
    incapable of being dissolved
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  9. Alsace
    a region of northeastern France famous for its wines
    French bitterness towards Germany, centred on the lost provinces’ of Alsace and Lorraine, appeared to be abating.
  10. pessimism
    a general disposition to expect the worst in all things
    It masked great underlying problems and increasing pessimism on the part of many European leaders about developments which they believed were undermining their countries’ position and great power status.
  11. abate
    become less in amount or intensity
    French bitterness towards Germany, centred on the lost provinces’ of Alsace and Lorraine, appeared to be abating.
  12. undermine
    weaken or impair, especially gradually
    It masked great underlying problems and increasing pessimism on the part of many European leaders about developments which they believed were undermining their countries’ position and great power status.
  13. Winston Churchill
    British statesman and leader during World War II
    Sir Winston Churchill, writing in the 1920s, recalled that ‘the spring and summer of 1914 were marked in Europe by an exceptional tranquility’.
  14. masked
    having markings suggestive of a mask
    It masked great underlying problems and increasing pessimism on the part of many European leaders about developments which they believed were undermining their countries’ position and great power status.
  15. at peace
    dead
    Europe, in the early months of 1914, seemed to be at peace.
  16. Lorraine
    an eastern French region rich in iron-ore deposits
    French bitterness towards Germany, centred on the lost provinces’ of Alsace and Lorraine, appeared to be abating.
  17. Balkan
    an inhabitant of the Balkan Peninsula
    Austria-Hungary and Russia had refused to allow their Balkan ‘clients’ to draw them into war in 1912 and 1913.
  18. underlying
    in the nature of something though not readily apparent
    It masked great underlying problems and increasing pessimism on the part of many European leaders about developments which they believed were undermining their countries’ position and great power status.
  19. friction
    the resistance when a body is moved in contact with another
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  20. provoke
    provide the needed stimulus for
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  21. negotiate
    discuss the terms of an arrangement
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  22. rivalry
    the act of competing as for profit or a prize
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  23. Europe
    the 2nd smallest continent
    Europe, in the early months of 1914, seemed to be at peace.
  24. underlie
    be underneath
    It masked great underlying problems and increasing pessimism on the part of many European leaders about developments which they believed were undermining their countries’ position and great power status.
  25. exceptional
    surpassing what is common or usual or expected
    Sir Winston Churchill, writing in the 1920s, recalled that ‘the spring and summer of 1914 were marked in Europe by an exceptional tranquility’.
  26. stability
    the quality or attribute of being firm and steadfast
    But this picture of reduced tensions and of increasing stability amongst Europe’s great powers was illusory.
  27. improving
    getting higher or more vigorous
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  28. increasing
    becoming greater or larger
    But this picture of reduced tensions and of increasing stability amongst Europe’s great powers was illusory.
  29. provoked
    incited, especially deliberately, to anger
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  30. crisis
    a crucial stage or turning point in the course of something
    Since 1900, Europe had been wracked by a series of crises, each of which had brought her great powers closer to war.
  31. mounting
    framework used for support or display
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  32. tense
    taut or rigid; stretched tight
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  33. Hungary
    a republic in central Europe
    Austria-Hungary and Russia had refused to allow their Balkan ‘clients’ to draw them into war in 1912 and 1913.
  34. tension
    the action of stretching something tight
    But this picture of reduced tensions and of increasing stability amongst Europe’s great powers was illusory.
  35. Churchill
    English general considered one of the greatest generals in history (1650-1722)
    Sir Winston Churchill, writing in the 1920s, recalled that ‘the spring and summer of 1914 were marked in Europe by an exceptional tranquility’.
  36. causing
    the act of causing something to happen
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  37. bitterness
    the taste experience when quinine or coffee is taken into the mouth
    French bitterness towards Germany, centred on the lost provinces’ of Alsace and Lorraine, appeared to be abating.
  38. colonial
    relating to a body of people who settle far from home
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  39. status
    the condition or someone or something at a particular time
    It masked great underlying problems and increasing pessimism on the part of many European leaders about developments which they believed were undermining their countries’ position and great power status.
  40. European
    of or relating to or characteristic of Europe
    It masked great underlying problems and increasing pessimism on the part of many European leaders about developments which they believed were undermining their countries’ position and great power status.
  41. Portuguese
    of or relating to or characteristic of Portugal or the people of Portugal or their language
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  42. client
    someone who pays for goods or services
    Austria-Hungary and Russia had refused to allow their Balkan ‘clients’ to draw them into war in 1912 and 1913.
  43. power
    possession of the qualities required to do something
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  44. other than
    in another and different manner
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  45. increase
    a process of becoming larger or longer or more numerous
    But this picture of reduced tensions and of increasing stability amongst Europe’s great powers was illusory.
  46. improve
    to make better
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  47. mask
    a covering to disguise or conceal the face
    It masked great underlying problems and increasing pessimism on the part of many European leaders about developments which they believed were undermining their countries’ position and great power status.
  48. reduce
    make smaller
    But this picture of reduced tensions and of increasing stability amongst Europe’s great powers was illusory.
  49. statesman
    a man who is a respected leader in national or international affairs
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  50. Austria
    a mountainous republic in central Europe
    Austria-Hungary and Russia had refused to allow their Balkan ‘clients’ to draw them into war in 1912 and 1913.
  51. closer
    (comparative of `near' or `close') within a shorter distance
    Since 1900, Europe had been wracked by a series of crises, each of which had brought her great powers closer to war.
  52. resort
    have recourse to
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  53. write in
    cast a vote by inserting a name that does not appear on the ballot
    Sir Winston Churchill, writing in the 1920s, recalled that ‘the spring and summer of 1914 were marked in Europe by an exceptional tranquility’.
  54. naval
    connected with an organization of military vessels
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  55. disposition
    your usual mood
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  56. recall
    bring to mind
    Sir Winston Churchill, writing in the 1920s, recalled that ‘the spring and summer of 1914 were marked in Europe by an exceptional tranquility’.
  57. empire
    the domain ruled by a single authoritative sovereign
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  58. reduced
    made less in size or amount or degree
    But this picture of reduced tensions and of increasing stability amongst Europe’s great powers was illusory.
  59. refuse
    show unwillingness towards
    Austria-Hungary and Russia had refused to allow their Balkan ‘clients’ to draw them into war in 1912 and 1913.
  60. Africa
    the second largest continent
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  61. centre
    an area that is approximately central within some larger region
    French bitterness towards Germany, centred on the lost provinces’ of Alsace and Lorraine, appeared to be abating.
  62. becoming
    displaying or setting off to best advantage
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  63. war
    the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
    Austria-Hungary and Russia had refused to allow their Balkan ‘clients’ to draw them into war in 1912 and 1913.
  64. marked
    easily noticeable
    Sir Winston Churchill, writing in the 1920s, recalled that ‘the spring and summer of 1914 were marked in Europe by an exceptional tranquility’.
  65. Russia
    a federation in northeastern Europe and northern Asia
    Austria-Hungary and Russia had refused to allow their Balkan ‘clients’ to draw them into war in 1912 and 1913.
  66. leaders
    the body of people who lead a group
    It masked great underlying problems and increasing pessimism on the part of many European leaders about developments which they believed were undermining their countries’ position and great power status.
  67. relations
    mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  68. development
    a process in which something passes to a different stage
    It masked great underlying problems and increasing pessimism on the part of many European leaders about developments which they believed were undermining their countries’ position and great power status.
  69. great
    a person who has achieved distinction in some field
    But this picture of reduced tensions and of increasing stability amongst Europe’s great powers was illusory.
  70. province
    the territory in an administrative district of a nation
    French bitterness towards Germany, centred on the lost provinces’ of Alsace and Lorraine, appeared to be abating.
  71. spring
    move forward by leaps and bounds
    Sir Winston Churchill, writing in the 1920s, recalled that ‘the spring and summer of 1914 were marked in Europe by an exceptional tranquility’.
  72. series
    similar things placed in order or one after another
    Since 1900, Europe had been wracked by a series of crises, each of which had brought her great powers closer to war.
  73. mount
    go up, advance, or increase
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  74. serious
    of great consequence
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  75. Germany
    a republic in central Europe
    French bitterness towards Germany, centred on the lost provinces’ of Alsace and Lorraine, appeared to be abating.
  76. issue
    some situation or event that is thought about
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  77. writing
    symbols imprinted on a surface to represent sounds or words
    Sir Winston Churchill, writing in the 1920s, recalled that ‘the spring and summer of 1914 were marked in Europe by an exceptional tranquility’.
  78. relation
    the state or quality of having something in common
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  79. problem
    a question raised for consideration or solution
    It masked great underlying problems and increasing pessimism on the part of many European leaders about developments which they believed were undermining their countries’ position and great power status.
  80. summer
    the warmest season of the year
    Sir Winston Churchill, writing in the 1920s, recalled that ‘the spring and summer of 1914 were marked in Europe by an exceptional tranquility’.
  81. leader
    a person who rules or guides or inspires others
    It masked great underlying problems and increasing pessimism on the part of many European leaders about developments which they believed were undermining their countries’ position and great power status.
  82. future
    the time yet to come
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  83. mark
    a distinguishing symbol
    Sir Winston Churchill, writing in the 1920s, recalled that ‘the spring and summer of 1914 were marked in Europe by an exceptional tranquility’.
  84. picture
    a visual representation produced on a surface
    But this picture of reduced tensions and of increasing stability amongst Europe’s great powers was illusory.
  85. opinion
    a personal belief or judgment
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  86. German
    of or pertaining to or characteristic of Germany or its people or language
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  87. peace
    the state prevailing during the absence of war
    Europe, in the early months of 1914, seemed to be at peace.
  88. position
    the particular part of space occupied by something
    It masked great underlying problems and increasing pessimism on the part of many European leaders about developments which they believed were undermining their countries’ position and great power status.
  89. allow
    make it possible for something to happen
    Austria-Hungary and Russia had refused to allow their Balkan ‘clients’ to draw them into war in 1912 and 1913.
  90. seem
    give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
    Europe, in the early months of 1914, seemed to be at peace.
  91. many
    a large number of the persons or things being discussed
    It masked great underlying problems and increasing pessimism on the part of many European leaders about developments which they believed were undermining their countries’ position and great power status.
  92. early
    at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
    Europe, in the early months of 1914, seemed to be at peace.
  93. possible
    capable of happening or existing
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  94. French
    of or pertaining to France or the people of France
    French bitterness towards Germany, centred on the lost provinces’ of Alsace and Lorraine, appeared to be abating.
  95. cause
    events that provide the generative force of something
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  96. lost
    confused as to time or place or personal identity
    French bitterness towards Germany, centred on the lost provinces’ of Alsace and Lorraine, appeared to be abating.
  97. means
    how a result is obtained or an end is achieved
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  98. Sir
    a title used before the name of knight or baronet
    Sir Winston Churchill, writing in the 1920s, recalled that ‘the spring and summer of 1914 were marked in Europe by an exceptional tranquility’.
  99. believe
    accept as true; take to be true
    It masked great underlying problems and increasing pessimism on the part of many European leaders about developments which they believed were undermining their countries’ position and great power status.
  100. number
    a concept of quantity involving zero and units
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  101. month
    one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
    Europe, in the early months of 1914, seemed to be at peace.
  102. draw
    cause to move by pulling
    Austria-Hungary and Russia had refused to allow their Balkan ‘clients’ to draw them into war in 1912 and 1913.
  103. lose
    fail to keep or to maintain
    French bitterness towards Germany, centred on the lost provinces’ of Alsace and Lorraine, appeared to be abating.
  104. appear
    come into sight or view
    French bitterness towards Germany, centred on the lost provinces’ of Alsace and Lorraine, appeared to be abating.
  105. about
    (of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  106. write
    name the letters that comprise the accepted form of
    Sir Winston Churchill, writing in the 1920s, recalled that ‘the spring and summer of 1914 were marked in Europe by an exceptional tranquility’.
  107. each
    separately for every person or thing
    Since 1900, Europe had been wracked by a series of crises, each of which had brought her great powers closer to war.
  108. country
    the territory occupied by a nation
    It masked great underlying problems and increasing pessimism on the part of many European leaders about developments which they believed were undermining their countries’ position and great power status.
  109. become
    come into existence
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  110. mean
    denote or connote
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
  111. part
    one of the portions into which something is regarded as divided and which together constitute a whole
    It masked great underlying problems and increasing pessimism on the part of many European leaders about developments which they believed were undermining their countries’ position and great power status.
  112. years
    a prolonged period of time
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  113. bring
    take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
    Since 1900, Europe had been wracked by a series of crises, each of which had brought her great powers closer to war.
  114. after
    happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  115. year
    the period of time that it takes for a planet (as, e.g., Earth or Mars) to make a complete revolution around the sun
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  116. two
    the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one
    Anglo-German relations, after years of tense naval rivalry, seemed to be improving as the two powers negotiated amicably about the possible future disposition of the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa.
  117. other
    not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
    These crises were provoked by a number of serious issues which were causing mounting friction amongst the powers and which, by 1914, in the opinion of many European statesmen, were becoming insoluble by means other than resort to war.
Created on 六月 9, 2010

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