World War I (1914-1918): Causes, key events and Consequences

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 1. Causes of World War I:

  • Imperialism: Rivalries among European powers over colonies and resources.
  • Nationalism: Intense nationalism in various European countries.
  • Militarism: Arms race and buildup of military forces.
  • Alliance System: Complex network of alliances between countries.


2. Key Dates:

  • June 28, 1914: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo.
  • July 28, 1914: Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, triggering a chain reaction of declarations of war.
  • August 4, 1914: Germany invaded Belgium, leading to Britain's entry into the war.
  • 1917: The United States entered the war on the side of the Allies.
  • November 11, 1918: Armistice signed, ending the fighting.

3. Major Alliances:

  • Triple Entente (Allies): France, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
  • Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire.

4. Key Figures:

  • Kaiser Wilhelm II (Germany): German Emperor and a central figure in the conflict.
  • Woodrow Wilson (USA): U.S. President during the war and advocate for peace.
  • Georges Clemenceau (France): French Prime Minister during the war.
  • David Lloyd George (UK): British Prime Minister during the war.

5. Major Battles and Fronts:

  • Western Front: Stalemate characterized by trench warfare, including the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Verdun.
  • Eastern Front: Battles between Germany and Austria-Hungary against Russia.
  • Italian Front: Italy's involvement against Austria-Hungary.
  • Gallipoli Campaign: Allied attempt to capture the Dardanelles.

6. Human Cost:

  • Casualties: Approximately 10 million military deaths and 7 million civilian deaths.
  • Injuries: Countless soldiers suffered injuries, including physical and psychological trauma.
  • Disease: Widespread disease outbreaks in unsanitary trench conditions.

7. Economic Impact:

  • War Debt: Enormous war debts accrued by many nations.
  • Infrastructure Damage: Widespread destruction of infrastructure and economies.
  • Post-War Recovery: Efforts to rebuild and stabilize economies in the post-war period.

8. Treaty of Versailles:

  • June 28, 1919: The Treaty of Versailles officially ended the war.
  • Territorial Changes: Germany lost territory, had military restrictions, and was required to pay reparations.
  • League of Nations: The League of Nations was established as an international organization to promote peace.

9. Long-Term Consequences:

  • Political Changes: The collapse of empires, including the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires.
  • Social Changes: The war contributed to social upheaval and changes in gender roles.
  • Precursor to World War II: Many of the issues left unresolved in World War I contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

World War I was a devastating conflict that reshaped the world map, altered political structures, and left a lasting impact on the 20th century. Its legacy continues to influence global politics and international relations to this day.

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