First World

First World War

The First World War, also known as the Great War, was a global war originating in Europe that lasted from 28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918. The war involved the world's great powers, which were divided into two opposing alliances: the Allies and the Central Powers.

Causes

The immediate cause of the war was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb member of the nationalist group Black Hand, on 28 June 1914. This event led to a diplomatic crisis when Austria-Hungary delivered an ultimatum to the Serbian government.

The complex web of alliances and treaties, including the Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance, escalated the conflict into a full-scale war. Other contributing factors included militarism, nationalism, and imperial rivalries.

Major Battles

The war saw many significant battles, including:

• Battle of the Marne
• Battle of Verdun
• Battle of the Somme
• Battle of Gallipoli

Technological and Tactical Innovations

World War I was marked by the introduction of new military technologies and tactics, such as trench warfare, chemical warfare, and the use of tanks and aircraft.

Consequences

The war resulted in significant political changes, including the dissolution of empires such as the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Russian Empire. The Treaty of Versailles officially ended the war, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.

The war also led to the establishment of the League of Nations, an international organization aimed at preventing future conflicts.

See Also

• World War II
• Interwar period
• League of Nations

References

John,

 The First World War, 
  
 Random House, 
 1998, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-0-375-70045-3,

World War I Full text,

 Encyclopaedia Britannica,

External Links

• Imperial War Museums - First World War
• The National Archives - First World War