Draft Definition WW1
The First World War, also known as The Great War, was a global war originating in Europe that lasted from 28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918. It involved the vast majority of the world's great powers, assembled in two opposing alliances: the Allied Powers (later known as the Entente Powers) primarily comprising France, Russia, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the United States; and the Central Powers, consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.
Key Factors of the Conflict:
- Nationalism: Intense pride and loyalty to one's nation, often leading to rivalry and tension between countries.
- Imperialism: The desire for colonies and global dominance, fueling competition and territorial disputes.
- Militarism: The buildup of armed forces and a strong emphasis on military preparedness, leading to a culture of aggression.
- Alliance System: A network of treaties between nations, committing them to defend each other, escalating minor disputes into major conflicts.
- Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne by a Serbian nationalist on June 28, 1914, triggered a chain reaction of diplomatic failures and military mobilizations.
Major Events and Battles:
- Battle of the Marne (1914): A crucial battle that halted the German advance towards Paris, marking the beginning of trench warfare.
- Battle of Verdun (1916): One of the longest and bloodiest battles in history, with immense casualties on both sides.
- Battle of the Somme (1916): A major offensive by the British and French, resulting in heavy losses for both sides.
- Sinking of the Lusitania (1915): The sinking of a British passenger liner by a German submarine, leading to the deaths of over 1,000 civilians, including 128 Americans, and public outrage in the United States.
- United States Entry (1917): The entry of the United States into the war on the side of the Allies was a major turning point, providing much-needed manpower and resources.
Consequences:
- Immense Casualties: The war resulted in an estimated 15 to 22 million deaths, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in history.
- Devastation and Destruction: Widespread destruction of infrastructure, economies, and landscapes across Europe.
- Rise of New Powers: The emergence of the United States and Japan as global powers.
- Treaty of Versailles (1919): The peace treaty that ended the war, imposing harsh penalties on Germany, including territorial losses and reparations.
- Seeds of Future Conflicts: The war's legacy included unresolved issues and territorial disputes that contributed to the rise of fascism and the outbreak of World War II.