Outbreak and Impact of World War I: 1914-1918

The Armed Peace and the Road to War

Germany, under Chancellor Bismarck, rose to prominence in international politics. Bismarck's system of alliances aimed to isolate France and maintain a balance of power in the Balkans. This era, known as the Armed Peace, saw the formation of two major military blocs:

• The Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy
• The Triple Entente: Great Britain, France, and Russia

Clashes Between Colonial Powers

Colonial rivalries intensified, notably in the two Moroccan crises. Germany challenged France's attempts to establish a protectorate in Morocco, but British support secured France's position. In the Balkans, the decline of the Ottoman Empire fueled tensions as Austria-Hungary and Russia sought to expand their influence.

The Crisis of Summer 1914

On July 23, 1914, Austria-Hungary issued a harsh ultimatum to Serbia following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Serbia's refusal to fully comply led to Austria-Hungary's declaration of war. Italy, however, did not support Austria-Hungary and Germany, effectively breaking the Triple Alliance.

Proceedings of the First World War

The First World War lasted four years, beginning in August 1914. Germany's initial plan involved a swift attack on France through Belgium. However, they were halted at the Battle of the Marne. On the Eastern Front, the Russians suffered defeats at Tannenberg and the Masurian Lakes.

1914-1917: Stalemate and Attrition

In 1916, the Germans attempted to break the Western Front at the Battle of Verdun, while the British launched the Battle of the Somme. Both offensives resulted in massive casualties but little territorial gain. In the Mediterranean, the British attempt to capture the Bosporus and Dardanelles at Gallipoli ended in failure. Meanwhile, British forces conquered German colonies in Africa, and Japan seized those in Asia. In the Middle East, the Allies, aided by Arab nationalists, occupied Ottoman territories in Palestine, Syria, and Iraq.

The Crisis of 1917

The Russian Revolution led to the overthrow of the Czar and the establishment of a new communist government. Russia subsequently withdrew from the war, ceding significant territory to Germany. The United States entered the war, initially providing supplies to the Allies.

The End of the War

Russia's withdrawal allowed Germany to launch a final offensive in the spring of 1918. However, the entry of the United States contributed to the failure of this offensive. An Allied counteroffensive followed, and by November 1918, the war had ended.

The Human and Economic Costs of War

World War I, also known as the Great War, was marked by unprecedented brutality. Soldiers endured months of trench warfare, living in appalling conditions. The war resulted in over 8 million deaths and 9 million wounded. The economic impact was equally significant. States intervened heavily in their economies to ensure the supply of troops and the population, leading to a war economy. One notable social consequence was the increased participation of women in the workforce, leading to the granting of political rights to women in many countries after the war. Governments also used propaganda and censorship to maintain morale and developed espionage and counter-espionage capabilities. Significant investments were made in scientific research to improve weaponry and production techniques.

The Peace of Paris and the Treaty of Versailles

The Peace of Paris encompassed a series of treaties signed by the defeated nations. These treaties were based on the Fourteen Points proposed by President Wilson, which aimed to prevent the resurgence of Germany, maintain a balance of power, and isolate Russia. Territorial changes included the loss of German colonies, the fragmentation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire into Czechoslovakia and Austria-Hungary, and the transformation of the Ottoman Empire into Turkey. To further isolate Russia, states around it were strengthened.

Other Consequences of the War

The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh terms on Germany, holding it and its allies responsible for the war and demanding substantial war reparations. This punitive approach was rejected by the United States, contributing to its subsequent isolationist stance. Finally, the League of Nations was established with the intention of bringing together the principal countries to resolve international disputes peacefully.