World War 1, Countries, Causes, Map, Timeline, Consequences

World War 1

World War 1, also known as the Great War, was a Global war it originated in Europe that lasted from 28^th July to 11^th November 1918. It was also described as the “War to end all Wars”, which led to the mobilization of more than 70 million military personnel; including 60 million Europeans making it one of the largest wars in history. An estimated 11 million personnel, including 6 million civilians died and 20 million were wounded. It was fought throughout the world comprising many countries in all three modes land, air, and water.

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World War 1 Powers

There were two main groups in World War 1 i.e, Allied Powers and Central Powers.

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World War 1 Countries Map

Here is the World War 1 Countries Map for a better understanding of which countries supported which power.

Causes of First World War

While a number of events directly contributed to the conflict, the main causes are much more complex and the subject of ongoing dispute. The major causes of World War 1 that are frequently cited are summarised below in detail.

Militarism

Arms race among countries like Britain and Germany. Their entire industrial complexes were used for military equipment. As the world entered the 20^th century initiated the arms race among the major powers of the world.

Germany by 1914 had the greatest increase in militarization backed by its large army, Mechanization of guns, Torpedoes, and large naval ships. This increases the militarism push between the countries which ultimately leads to war.

Growth of Imperialism

All the powers in Europe wanted to make colonies. They had made large colonies in Africa and Asia, and they had the scramble for Africa, i.e., running for more areas to colonize. Britain led in imperialism and everyone wanted to compete. Britain alone had control over 1/4^th of the world. They had vast resources and manpower at their disposal for the great war. India has sent 13 lakh soldiers to fight for Britain.

Growth of Nationalism: By the 19^th century Europe was swept by a wave of nationalism. Countries like Germany, Italy, and other Baltic states were getting unified. It was believed whenever war happened a country gets Independence as they believed in the ‘Glory of War’.

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Mutual Defense Alliances

Countries around the world always have adopted the ideology of making mutual defence agreements with neighbouring countries, and as a result of these agreements, many countries were pulled into the war. Multiple secret alliances in Europe since the 19^th to maintain the balance of power. The two main alliances were:

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World War 1 Immediate Cause

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungry and his wife by Bosnian nationalist, Gavrilo Princip and other members of the Black Hand in Sarajevo, Bosnia on 28^th June 1914. Black had organization was supported by Serbia.

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World War 1 Timeline

Here is a complete World War 1 Timeline given below in the table with details:

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Events Leading to World War 1

There are the subsequent series of events occurred that led to the First World War.

July Crisis

Austria-Hungary asked Serbia to surrender with humiliating terms for their support to the Black hand organization in the assassination, due to which Serbia asked for the support of Russia on other hand Austria-Hungary asked for the support of Germany. Russia and France came in support of Serbia and declared war on Germany. France came in support of Russia because of the triple entente. As these events took place in July 1914 hence it is called July Crisis.

The German army marched into Belgium to enter France, as Belgium was initially neutral but Belgium and Britain had the ‘Treaty of London’ of 1839, by which Britain was bound to help Belgium in war. Britain and Germany were also competitors in the arms race so war was bound to take place between them. British attacked Germany.

Germany initially got success in France, but as the war went to Stalemate, Germany could not go deeper into France. On other hand, Germany got huge success against Russia on its eastern front. Ottoman empire being an archenemy of Russia attacked it.  Russia replied to the attack to maintain its influence over the Strait of Dardanelles. The main fight was in the Black Sea. Ottoman also attacked Suez Canal which was the British Link to India.

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Global War Aspects

Allied forces attacked the German Colonies in Africa like Togo, Tanzania, Cameroon and Japan ally of the UK attacked the Micronesian and Chinese colonies of Germany. Ottoman ships also bombarded the Black Sea port of Russia.

Entry of the USA in First World War

The USA was initially neutral and supplied weapons and warships to both sides. On 7^th May 1915, RMS Lusitania a British ship sunk by a German U-boat, as a result, the death of 128 US citizens Led to the US declaration of war on Germany in 1917. In April 2017 finally, the USA involved in the war. Germany asked for the help of Mexico to battle against the USA.

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Russian Revolution 1917

Russian Revolution 1917: February Revolution overthrow Tsar Nicholas II and a provincial was formed which did not survive for long. October Revolution leads to the Bolsheviks party under Lenin coming to power in Russia who was against the war and signed a peace treaty with Germany called the ‘Treaty of Brest-Litovsk’ in March 1918. As the war on the eastern front ended Germany use the soldiers there in the war with the USA.

End of World War 1

The allied army pushed in from all sides like the Balkans, Italy, the Middle East, western front, and soon overrun the central power. On the western front with daily 10,000 fresh soldiers from US allies defeated the German Army. On 11^th November 1918, German signed the Ceasefire. World War 1 won by the Allied powers including Russia, France, Britain, the USA (1917-18), Japan, and Serbia.

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Treaty of Versailles 1919

It was a 6-month-long negotiation held at the Palace of Versailles, Paris. The culprits of war were placed upon the central powers, especially Germany. Germany agreed to pay war reparations to Britain and France, the war repatriation was so heavy that Germany paid its last instalment in 2010. The colonies of Germany were divided between Britain and France. The USA did not get any colonies because it was against Wilson’s 14 points.

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Aftermath World War 1

Health: Million died due to disease as there were no antibiotics at that time (discovered in 1929). Spanish flu killed 50 million between 1918 to 1920. The male population declined heavily in Europe, according to the 1921 census of 1921 of UK the sex ratio was 13000 females per 1000 males

Economic: Great Britain went from an investor to a debtor (from the USA). The USA strengthened its economy immensely and had a great growth period between 1920 to 1929 till the Great Depression of 1929 crashed the market.

Political: British and French empires consolidated their power. Rise of National Socialism or Nazi Party (Hitler) in Germany. League of Nations was established as the 1^st International organization to maintain peace in the world. It was formed according to the 14 points mentioned by Wilson.

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