The Great War: Origins, Treaty of Versailles and Lasting Impact

Different Forces and Social Alliances in World War I

Germany's war movements: Germany invaded Belgium and Luxembourg, proposing to invade France, which led to the French and English armies joining the conflict.

Trench Warfare

Trench warfare defined the Western Front. The western front was opened on Tuesday, and Swiss and Astal territory was affected to the north. The Almansa offensive launched the first offensive against France, which resulted in the death of millions and 800,000 dead at Almansa. Italy also entered the war.

The United States Enters the War

The United States entered the war after Russia's abandonment. The U.S. entered the war because of the sinking of the liner Lusitania by a German submarine, which directly affected American interests. Russia abandoned the war by signing a separate peace with Germany, following the decision of the revolutionary triumphants of 1917, who were concerned with internal problems in Russia.

Development of the War on the Home Front

The war developed on the home front. New national armies were recruited from men of military age. Industry in both sides faced demand for replacement loans and manual labor, including culinary and female manual workers. Modern technical methods allowed mobilization, propaganda, public opinion control and the compromise of enemies.

Territorial Changes After 1919

What happened to territories in 1919? Which states were dissolved? The settlement involved Alsace-Lorraine returning to France.

How was German territory divided? What about the Danzig corridor? Germany granted guaranteed access to Poland through the Baltic Sea via an 80 km corridor, the Danzig Corridor, which separated East Prussia from the rest of Germany.

Conditions of the Treaty of Versailles

What were the conditions imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles? Other changes to the map of Europe?

Germany was declared guilty for the conflict and was forced to pay substantial war reparations. Its military was almost completely dismantled, and its navy was disarmed. Germany lost its colonial empire, which was divided between France and Great Britain. Its territories were transferred to France, Belgium, Denmark, and Poland. The Russian Empire lost its Baltic coast and large territories to Poland. The Ottoman Empire was reduced, with its territory largely divided, and Iraq, Syria, and Palestine were separated. The Austro-Hungarian Empire disintegrated and gave rise to Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Austria.

The League of Nations

What was the League of Nations? What were its main objectives? What problems did it face?

The League was the first new international organization, promoted by President Wilson. It aimed to ensure peace, foster international cooperation, monitor compliance with treaties and resolve conflicts diplomatically.

Consequences of World War I

• Europe lost between 24 and 32 million people
• The Russian, German, Austrian and Ottoman empires disappeared
• 14 million people died
• Inflation and scarcity
• Nationalist exaltation
• The English leadership ended, while the U.S. and Japan surged
• Life changed for women

How the Great War Ended

• On 11 November 1918 in Paris, Germany signed the armistice.
• On 28 June 1919, the peace treaty was signed at the Paris Peace Conference.
• Woodrow Wilson (US)
• Georges Clemenceau (France)
• David Lloyd George (British Crown)
• Vittorio Emanuele Orlando (Italy)
• Wilson's Fourteen Points (January 1918)

There were no winners or losers, only a desire for peace.

Self-determination of Peoples

• Deep resentment and hatred against Germany by European nations.
• The Treaty of Versailles regulated the new political situation and the first territorial order in Europe.
• Punishment of Germany: dismantling its armed forces, payment for war damages, and loss of its colonial empire.
• Alsace-Lorraine returned to France, and Italy received the Trentino, Trieste and Fiume regions.
• The Ottoman Empire was dismantled, creating Iraq, Syria, and Palestine.
• Complementary treaties (Saint-Germain and Trianon).
• The Austro-Hungarian Empire dissolved, creating Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia.
• Poland regained its independence and gained access to the Baltic through the Danzig corridor.
• The League of Nations was established.