World War I (also known as the First World War or the Great War) was a global war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918. It involved all the great powers, assembling into two opposing military alliances: the Allies (based around the United Kingdom, France, Russian Empire, Italy, Japan, and the United States) and the Central Powers of Germany and Austria-Hungary. These alliances were joined by many other countries from around the world. More than 70 million military personnel, including 60 million Europeans, were mobilised in one of the largest wars in history. Over nine million combatants and seven million civilians died as a result of the war (including the victims of a number of genocides), a casualty rate exacerbated by the technological advances in modern warfare, chemical warfare and trench warfare. It was one of the deadliest conflicts in history and paved the way for major political changes, including revolutions in many of the nations involved.
Causes:
The origins of World War I are complex and debated, but several factors contributed to its outbreak:
- Nationalism and Imperialism: European nations were competing for territory and influence around the world, which led to tensions and rivalries.
- Militarism: Countries were building up their armed forces and developing new weapons, fostering a sense of security and a willingness to use force.
- Alliances: European powers had formed various alliances, which created a network of obligations and increased the likelihood of a wider conflict if one country was attacked.
- Diplomatic Failures: Diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions between the European powers were unsuccessful, leading to a situation where small incidents could escalate into a major conflict.
- Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary on June 28, 1914, by a Serbian nationalist was the immediate trigger for the outbreak of war.
Timeline:
- July 28, 1914: Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
- August 1, 1914: Germany declares war on Russia after Russia mobilizes its army in support of Serbia.
- August 3, 1914: France declares war on Germany after Germany invades Belgium as part of its Schlieffen Plan to attack France.
- August 4, 1914: Great Britain declares war on Germany after Germany refuses to withdraw from Belgium.
- September 6, 1914: The Battle of the Marne begins, marking the end of the German advance on Paris and the beginning of a long period of trench warfare.
- 1915-1916: The Dardanelles Campaign fails, and the Battle of Verdun is one of the bloodiest battles in history.
- 1917: The United States enters the war on the side of the Allies after the Zimmermann Telegram is intercepted. Russia withdraws from the war after the Bolshevik Revolution.
- 1918: The German Spring Offensive fails, and the Allied Powers launch the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which leads to the collapse of Germany.
- November 11, 1918: Armistice is signed, ending World War I.
Consequences:
World War I had a profound impact on the world:
- Political Transformations: Several empires collapsed, including the Ottoman Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Russian Empire. New nations emerged, and political boundaries were redrawn.
- Social and Economic Impact: The war had a devastating impact on European societies, causing widespread death, destruction, and economic disruption. It also led to the rise of new social movements and a shift in gender roles.
- Technological Advancements: The war accelerated technological developments, such as the use of aircraft, tanks, and chemical weapons.
- League of Nations: The League of Nations was established after the war to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts.
- Treaty of Versailles: The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, imposing harsh reparations on Germany and contributing to the rise of Nazi Germany and the outbreak of World War II.