World War I

What is a “world war”?

A world war is a war affecting the majority of the world's major nations. World wars usually span multiple continents, and are very bloody and destructive. Total war is a military conflict in which nations mobilize all available resources in order to destroy another nation's ability to engage in war.

Who fought in World War I?

International conflict between the Central Powers—Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria —and the Allied Powers—mainly France, Britain, Russia, Italy, and (from 1917) the U.S. 32 countries around the world were part of the war effort, some in the actual fighting, some as support.

How long did the war last?

July 28, 1914 November 11, 1918 Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia Armistice Day; fighting ceased

Austria-Hungary’s declaration of war on Serbia The Treaty of Versailles

How many men participated in World War I, and what were the casualty totals?

Over 65 million men were mobilized across Europe during WWI. Nearly 10 million men died during WWI, and nearly 20 million more were wounded.

Who were the leaders of both sides of the conflict?

Central Powers

Emperor Franz Josef – Austria-Hungary

Kaiser Wilhelm II - Germany

Sultan Mehmed V – Ottoman Empire

Tsar Ferdinand - Bulgaria

The Allies

Nikola Pasic - Serbia

Czar Nicholas II - Russia

Georges Clemenceau - France

King George V - England

Vittorio Orlando - Italy

King Albert I - Belgium

President Woodrow Wilson – United States

Why was the war fought?

World War I was fought for a variety of reasons, including, but not nearly limited to: Nationalism Imperialism Militarism / An Arm’s Race Alliances The Balkan Conflicts Revenge Assassination of the Archduke Economic Gain Political Unrest