World War I: Summary, Causes & Facts

Overview

• World War I, also known as the Great War, spanned from 1914 to 1918.
• Triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria.
• Involved major world powers divided into two alliances:
  • Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire.
  • Allied Powers: Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Romania, Japan, and the United States.
• Resulted in over 16 million deaths, including both soldiers and civilians.

Key Events Leading to World War I

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

• Occurred in Sarajevo, Bosnia, on June 28, 1914.
• Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist, assassinated the Archduke and his wife.
• The assassination was a catalyst that led to the outbreak of war.

Rising Tensions and Alliances

• Political instability in the Balkans heightened tensions.
• Complex web of alliances and treaties among European powers.

The Blank Check and Ultimatum

• Germany, under Kaiser Wilhelm II, gave Austria-Hungary a "blank check" assurance.
• Austria-Hungary sent an ultimatum to Serbia, leading to war declarations.

Major Battles and Campaigns

The Western Front

• Initiated by Germany's Schlieffen Plan to invade France through Belgium.
• First Battle of the Marne (September 6-9, 1914): French and British forces halted the German advance.
• Notable battles: Verdun and the Somme, with high casualty rates.

The Eastern Front

• Russia invaded German-held territories but was halted at the Battle of Tannenberg.
• Russian Revolution in 1917 led to Russia's exit from the war.

Gallipoli Campaign

• Allied attempt to defeat Ottoman Empire through the Dardanelles, failed with heavy casualties.

America Enters the War

• Influenced by unrestricted German submarine warfare and the sinking of the Lusitania.
• The United States declared war on Germany in April 1917.

Key Battles

• Battle of the Isonzo: Series of 12 battles between Austria-Hungary and Italy.
• Second Battle of the Marne: Pivotal Allied counter-offensive leading to an Allied victory.

Conclusion of the War

World War I Armistice

• Central Powers began to collapse in late 1918.
• Germany signed an armistice on November 11, 1918, ending the war.

Treaty of Versailles

• Signed on June 28, 1919.
• Imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.

Impact and Legacy

Casualties and Aftermath

• Over 9 million soldiers and 10 million civilians lost their lives.
• Contributed to the fall of several empires: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Ottoman Empire.
• Paved the way for major geopolitical changes and the eventual rise of World War II.

Technological and Social Changes

• Introduction of new military technologies, including tanks and chemical weapons.
• Significant social changes, especially women entering the workforce.
• The war contributed to the spread of the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918.

Cultural Impact

• Inspired a significant body of literature and art, including works like "All Quiet on the Western Front" and the poem "In Flanders Fields."

Notable Figures

• Kaiser Wilhelm II: German Emperor who supported Austria-Hungary.
• Vladimir Lenin: Led the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia.
• Woodrow Wilson: US President who led America into the war.
• Harlem Hellfighters: Decorated African-American regiment that fought for France.