World War I

Map Europe alliances 1914-en

World 1914 empires colonies territory

Bundesarchiv DVM 10 Bild-23-61-23, Linienschiff "SMS Rheinland"

1908-10-07 - Moritz Schiller's Delicatessen

Gavrilo Princip captured in Sarajevo 1914

1914-06-29 - Aftermath of attacks against Serbs in Sarajevo

World War I, also known as the First World War, the Great War, and initially in North America as the European War, was a global war originating in Europe that lasted from 28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918. Contemporaneously described as "the war to end all wars", it led to significant geopolitical changes and restructured the political order in many of the world's nations.

Origins and Causes

The causes of World War I are complex and multifaceted, including militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism. The immediate catalyst for war was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Yugoslav nationalist in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914, which set off a diplomatic crisis. Within weeks, the major powers were at war, and the conflict quickly spread around the world.

Major Participants

The major Allies of World War I included the Russian Empire, the French Republic, the United Kingdom, Italy (which joined the Allies in 1915), and the United States (which joined in 1917). The Central Powers comprised the German Empire, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.

Key Events

The war was characterized by trench warfare, where soldiers faced horrific conditions and little progress was made for much of the war. Major battles included the Battle of the Somme, the Battle of Verdun, and the Battle of Gallipoli. The war also saw the first use of chemical weapons and marked the beginning of aerial combat.

Impact

World War I had a profound impact on the world, leading to the overthrow of monarchies in Russia, Germany, and Austria-Hungary, among others. The Treaty of Versailles in 1919 formally ended the war, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany. The war also led to the establishment of the League of Nations in an attempt to prevent future conflicts.

Legacy

The legacy of World War I is still felt today. It directly contributed to the outbreak of World War II, particularly through the punitive conditions imposed on Germany. The war also led to significant social and political changes, including the advancement of women's rights and the beginning of movements for independence in many parts of the European empires.