World War I: Key Battles, US Entry, and Global Impact

Initial Phase: War of Movement (1914)

The early phase of the war in 1914 involved rapid movements before trench lines solidified. Key early battles included:

• Battle of Tannenberg

  A significant German victory against Russia.

• Battle of the Marne

  A crucial Allied (French and British) victory that halted the German advance towards Paris.

Trench Warfare: War of Positions (1915-1917)

From 1915 to 1917, the war became characterized by static, bloody trench warfare. Vast trench systems were established, leading to brutal battles of attrition with little territorial gain.

• Battle of Verdun (1916)

  A lengthy and costly battle, often considered a French strategic victory despite immense casualties on both sides.

• Battle of the Somme (1916)

  An Allied offensive marked by extremely high casualties, particularly for the British army.

Life in the Trenches

Trenches were long, narrow excavations used as defensive positions and starting points for attacks. The devastated land separating opposing trenches was known as No Man's Land.

Weapons like the howitzer were commonly used in this type of warfare.

Turning Point: U.S. Intervention (1917)

Russia withdrew from the war in 1917 following the Soviet Revolution. The United States, having provided significant loans to France and the United Kingdom, sought to protect its investments. Citing attacks by German submarines on shipping (including American vessels), the United States declared war on Germany in April 1917. The influx of American troops and resources significantly weakened the German war effort, contributing to their withdrawal and the armistice in 1918.

Consequences of World War I

Political Changes

A new international organization, the League of Nations (Société des Nations - SDN), was established with the aim of maintaining peace. However, its effectiveness was limited as major powers like Germany and eventually Italy were not initially included or later withdrew, and it was ultimately dissolved before World War II.

Demographic Impact

The war caused a large drop in population due to military casualties and civilian deaths.

Economic Devastation

• Extensive destruction occurred: buildings were destroyed, entire cities ruined, and factories and mines were devastated.
• The immense cost of the war forced contending countries to take out large loans, leading to increased internal and external debt and soaring inflation.

Social Transformations

• One of the most significant changes was the large-scale incorporation of women into the workforce to replace men who were fighting.
• The post-war years saw a notable shift in the status and condition of women, reflected in societal norms and even fashion.
• The 8-hour workday was achieved in many countries.

The Treaty of Versailles (1919)

Germany was forced to accept harsh peace terms under the Treaty of Versailles. These included:

• Reduction of German territories.
• Strict demilitarization.
• Loss of its colonial empire.
• Obligation to pay substantial war reparations.

Redrawing the Map of Europe

The Austro-Hungarian Empire disappeared, leading to the creation of several new states:

• Austria
• Hungary
• Czechoslovakia
• Yugoslavia

Other new or re-established nations included Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland.

Rise of the United States

The United States emerged from the war significantly strengthened, positioning itself as a leading world power.