World War I History Short Notes

World War I Also known as the First World War or the Great War, was a global conflict that lasted from 28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918. It involved most of the world's great powers, which were divided into two opposing alliances: the Allies (led by France, Russia, and the United Kingdom) and the Central Powers (led by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire). Causes of World War I: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (28 June 1914): The immediate cause of the war was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo by a Bosnian Serb nationalist. This event triggered a series of diplomatic and military escalations. Alliance Systems: Europe was divided into two alliance systems: the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and the United Kingdom) and the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy). These alliances created a delicate balance of power that contributed to the outbreak of war. Imperialism: European powers were engaged in a race for colonial territories, leading to tensions and rivalries between nations. Nationalism: Nationalist movements in various regions of Europe fueled a sense of rivalry and competition between nations. Militarism: European powers had been engaged in an arms race, building up their military capabilities and stockpiling weapons. Key Events of World War I: Outbreak of War (28 July 1914): Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, triggering a chain reaction of declarations of war among the great powers of Europe. Western Front: The Western Front was characterized by trench warfare, with both sides locked in a stalemate for much of the war. Eastern Front: The Eastern Front saw more fluid and mobile warfare, with Russia initially gaining ground against Austria-Hungary and Germany. Gallipoli Campaign (1915-1916): The Allies launched a failed campaign to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula in modern-day Turkey, resulting in heavy casualties. Battle of Verdun (1916): One of the longest and bloodiest battles of the war, fought between French and German forces in northeastern France. Battle of the Somme (1916): Another major battle on the Western Front, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. Entry of the United States (1917): The United States entered the war on the side of the Allies following the sinking of the RMS Lusitania and the Zimmerman Telegram. Russian Revolution (1917): The Russian Revolution led to the overthrow of the Tsarist regime and the rise of the Bolsheviks, who eventually signed a peace treaty with Germany, leading to Russia's withdrawal from the war. End of the War (11 November 1918): The war ended with the signing of the Armistice of Compiègne, which came into effect at 11:00 am on 11 November 1918, leading to the cessation of hostilities. Consequences of World War I: Treaty of Versailles: The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, imposed harsh penalties on Germany and is often cited as a contributing factor to the outbreak of World War II. Redrawing of Borders: The war led to the dissolution of empires (such as the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires) and the redrawing of borders in Europe and the Middle East. Human Cost: World War I was one of the deadliest conflicts in history, with an estimated 16 million deaths (both military and civilian). Political Changes: The war led to significant political changes, including the collapse of empires, the rise of new states, and the establishment of the League of Nations (the precursor to the United Nations). Economic Impact: The war had a profound impact on the global economy, leading to inflation, debt, and economic hardship in many countries. Social Changes: The war brought about social changes, including the empowerment of women and the spread of new ideas and ideologies. Legacy of World War I: World War I had a profound impact on the course of 20th-century history, shaping the geopolitical landscape of the modern world and setting the stage for future conflicts.