The First World War
The First World War, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It involved many of the world's major powers, divided into two coalitions: the Triple Entente (consisting of France, Russia, and the United Kingdom) and the Central Powers (led by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and later joined by the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria).
Origins and Causes
The war's immediate trigger was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist, on June 28, 1914. However, underlying tensions included:
- Militarism and arms races, particularly between Germany and Britain.
- Imperialism, with European powers competing for colonies in Africa and Asia.
- Alliances that created a complex web of commitments to mobilize in case of war.
- Nationalism, which fueled ethnic tensions in multi-ethnic empires.
Major Events
Technology and Warfare
World War I introduced several new technologies and tactics:
- Machine guns, poison gas, tanks, and aircraft were used extensively.
- The development of trench warfare led to static front lines and massive casualties.
- Chemical weapons, particularly chlorine and mustard gas, were deployed, causing widespread suffering.
End of the War
The war ended on November 11, 1918, with the signing of the Armistice of 1918. Key factors leading to the war's conclusion included:
- The entry of the United States into the war in 1917, providing fresh troops and resources.
- Internal collapse of the Russian Empire due to the Russian Revolution, leading to Russia's withdrawal from the war.
- Exhaustion of resources and manpower on all sides.
- Military mutinies and political upheaval in the Central Powers.
Consequences
The aftermath of the war was profound:
Sources
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