The First World War, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918.
Characteristics:
- Global Scope: Involved countries from Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
- Industrialized Warfare: Advanced weapons technologies, such as machine guns, artillery, and poison gas.
- Trench Warfare: Extensive systems of trenches and fortifications, leading to stalemates and massive casualties.
- Political Alliances: Divided Europe into two primary alliances: the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire) and the Allies (France, Russian Empire, British Empire, later joined by Italy, Japan, and the United States).
- Nationalism and Imperialism: European nations sought to expand their territories and influence, contributing to the outbreak of war.
- Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: Triggered a chain of events that led to the war, with Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia after the latter was accused of supporting the assassination.
Significance:
- Devastating Casualties: Over 16 million military and civilian deaths, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in human history.
- Political and Territorial Changes: Led to the collapse of the Russian, German, and Austro-Hungarian empires, the creation of new nations, and the redrawing of European borders.
- Technological Advancements: Advanced weaponry and aviation technologies developed during the war had significant impacts on future conflicts.
- Social and Cultural Changes: Profound effects on societies, including the rise of women's suffrage and the emergence of modern mass media.
- Long-Term Consequences: Set the stage for the Second World War, left Europe weakened and vulnerable, and had lasting impacts on international diplomacy.