Overview of World War I Causes and Events

Mar 7, 2025

World War I Overview

Origins of World War I

  • 1871 Franco-German War: Ended with German victory, leading to formation of the German Empire.
  • Alsace and Moselle: Annexed by Germany, frustrating France.
  • German Industrial and Economic Growth: Rapid advancement post-war.
  • Formation of Alliances:
    • Germany allies with Austro-Hungarian Empire and Italy (Triple Alliance).
    • France allies with Russia and signs a pact with Italy.
    • Britain, fearing German military power, forms the Triple Entente with France and Russia.
  • Balkan Tensions:
    • Austro-Hungarian Empire annexes Bosnia and Herzegovina, angering Serbia.
    • Russia supports Serbia's ambitions.
  • Assassination in Sarajevo (1914): Serbian nationalist kills Austro-Hungarian heir.
    • Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, escalating conflict between Triple Entente and Triple Alliance.

Key Events of the War

Western Front

  • German Strategy: Invades Luxembourg and Belgium, aiming to flank French defenses.
  • Schlieffen Plan Failure: Paris attack diverted, German forces pushed back.
  • Trench Warfare: 700 km of trenches from the North Sea to Switzerland.

Eastern Front and Beyond

  • Ottoman Empire Joins Central Powers: Opens new fronts in Caucasus, Sinai, and Kuwait.
  • Italy Enters War: Declares war on Austria-Hungary.
  • Global Impact:
    • Japan and Allies seize German colonies in Asia and Africa.
    • Colonial troops enlisted by European powers.
  • Bulgaria's Involvement: Joins Central Powers, attacks Serbia.

Military Innovations and Conditions

Technological and Tactical Developments

  • Aerial Warfare:
    • Germany employs zeppelins for bombings.
    • Airplanes equipped with machine guns for combat.
  • Submarine Warfare: German U-boats target ships in British waters.
  • Chemical Warfare: Toxic gases used, causing numerous casualties.

Trench Conditions

  • Harsh Living Conditions: Soldiers endure mud, vermin, and decay.
  • Mutinies: French and German forces experience unrest.

Turning Points and Conclusion

New Participants and Revolutions

  • Russian Revolutions (1917):
    • Tsarist regime overthrown, Bolsheviks sign ceasefire with Central Powers.
  • United States Enters War (1917): Joins Allies due to German submarine blockade.

End of the War

  • German Breakthrough and Counterattack: Temporary success, but ultimately repelled by Allied counterattacks.
  • Allied Advances: Lead to German retreats and internal unrest.

Armistice and Aftermath

  • Armistice Signed (1918): End of the "Great War," over 18 million dead.
  • Treaty of Versailles (1919):
    • Germany held responsible, forced to pay reparations.
    • Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires dismantled.
    • Germany loses territory and colonies.
    • Humiliation and resentment set stage for future conflict.