World War I

Europe in 1914

How did it start? Uneasy situation in Europe at the time. European powers competing against each other for dominance (on the continent and in the colonies. The spark: assassination of an Austrian archduke by a Bosnian terrorist at Sarajevo in June 1914.

How did it start? (continued) Following this, Austria-Hungary and Germany attacked Serbia. Russia, allied with Serbia, quickly joined. France, and ally of Russia, joined in the war. When Belgium was invaded by Germany, Great Britain then joined.

World War I War of attrition (each side trying to outlast the other). Technology of the time favoured defense. Example: machine guns.

The war was fought on multiple fronts and on multiple continents. War across the globe The war was fought on multiple fronts and on multiple continents. The British Empire recruited soldiers from its colonies, including Canada and India.

Western Front Germany invaded France through Belgium. French and British armies pushed the German armies away from Paris. Both sides tried to outflank the other. This lead to the “Race to the Sea”.

Warfare and weaponry

Cavalry units were used in the beginning of the war. They proved to be ineffective against weapons such as machine guns.

Trench warfare When both sides couldn’t advance, they dug in. This lead to defensive trench warfare. Trenches were often wet, infested with vermin, and unsafe.

Machine guns artillery These weapons made it very difficult for attacking troops.

No man’s land

Fighter planes and bombers

World War I also saw the first use of tanks. They would help troops advance through no man’s land.

World War I USA joins war in autumn 1917 mostly because of German submarine warfare. October 1917, Russia leaves the war because of the October Revolution. Because of this, more German troops were sent to Western Front.

The End of the War The First World War ended in 1918. There were close to 8 500 000 casualties among soldiers due to wounds or disease. Treaty of Versailles (signed in June 1919) blamed Germany for the outbreak of the war. Germany would have to make reparation payments, would lose territories and would demilitarize.

The End of the War In1919, the League of Nations was created. Goal: “promoting international cooperation” and achieving “international peace and security”. US President Woodrow Wilson was important in helping to create the League.