World War I: Causes, Characteristics, and Stages

Causes of World War I

• Territorial Conflicts: France claimed Alsace-Lorraine from Germany; Russia and Austria-Hungary were rivals for influence in the Balkans; and Italy demanded the territories of Istria and Trento.
• Nationalist Conflicts: Different nationalities within the great empires faced increasing tensions.
• Economic Rivalries: The rise of industrial Germany was considered a threat by the British and French economies. This rivalry stemmed from colonial expansion, a constant source of tension between the major European powers.
• Arms Race: An arms race developed during a period of armed peace, along with the formation of military alliances: the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente.

The Outbreak and the Contending Countries

The trigger of the war was the assassination in Sarajevo of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, which was supported by Russia. The system of alliances between countries then came into operation.

The two opposing sides were:

• The Central Powers: Included Germany and Austria-Hungary. Italy initially remained neutral and later joined the Allied side.
• The Allied Powers (or Entente): Included France, Russia, Great Britain, and Serbia. The United States joined later.

Characteristics of the War

• It encompassed a large territory due to the participation of countries with large colonial empires.
• New weapons and defensive systems (such as trenches) were used.
• It promoted significant social and economic transformations. National economies were focused on war production.

Stages of the War

The war lasted four years:

• The War of Movement (1914): Germany sought a quick victory over France to concentrate its forces on the Eastern Front. The plan failed due to French resistance at the Marne.
• Trench Warfare (1915-1916): The front stabilized along immense lines of trenches. Offensives of attrition were launched, such as at Verdun and the Somme.
• Changes in 1917: Russia withdrew from the war after the triumph of the Bolshevik Revolution, allowing Germany to concentrate its forces against France. This setback was offset by the U.S. entry into the conflict.
• The End of the War (1918): An Allied offensive on all fronts led to the progressive surrender of the Central Powers. Germany signed an armistice, and the emperor abdicated.