World War I Conflict Development: Key Phases and Turning Points

Development of the First World War Conflict

Key Terms of WWI Phases

• War of Movements (1914): The initial phase of the First World War in 1914, characterized by both the Central Powers and the Allies attempting to achieve a decisive victory through rapid offensives, ultimately without success.
• Trench Warfare (1915-1916): The second phase of the First World War, from 1915 to 1916, where neither side achieved decisive victory. This period was defined by extensive lines of trenches dug into the ground, protected by machine guns and barbed wire, leading to a stalemate. During this phase, the conflict expanded globally with the entry of Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, Portugal, and Japan.

Main Phases of World War I

1. War of Movements (1914)

The war began on two primary fronts: the Eastern Front and the Western Front. Germany initially sought to swiftly defeat France on the Western Front to then concentrate its forces in the East against Russia. However, French resistance in the Battle of the Marne halted the German advance. Simultaneously, Russia's unexpected advance through Prussia forced Germany to divert troops to the Eastern Front, preventing a quick victory. Later in this phase, the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) joined the Central Powers.

2. Trench Warfare (1915-1916)

As neither side achieved a decisive breakthrough, the conflict evolved into a war of positions, commonly known as Trench Warfare. Both sides established extensive lines of trenches, protected by machine guns and barbed wire, to hold their territory and prevent enemy advances. Despite numerous offensives, the front lines remained largely static, resulting in a costly stalemate. This period also saw the expansion of the conflict into a truly global war with the entry of new participants such as Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, Portugal, and Japan.

3. The War Ends (1917-1918)

The final phase of the war brought significant shifts:

• 1917: The United States entered the war alongside the Allies, providing crucial resources and manpower. Concurrently, Russia withdrew from the conflict following the triumph of the Communist Revolution and the subsequent signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with the Central Powers.
• 1918: The Allies launched a major offensive, which, combined with the exhaustion of the Central Powers and the influx of American troops, led to their eventual surrender. U.S. President Woodrow Wilson presented his "Fourteen Points" as a framework for achieving lasting peace and preventing future conflicts.