The Effects of WW1

Essential Questions Why, and to what extent , did the First World War constitute « total war »? Assess the social and economic effects of the First World War on two of the countries involved. To what extent do you agree with the view that war accelerates social change?

The Effects of WW1

What was the world like after World War I? Millions of dead, wounded or homeless people Changes to society What was the world like after World War I? Four empires broke up World economy damaged Self-determination became popular New nation-states were set up New boundaries created problems Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

Millions of dead, wounded or homeless people Nearly 8 million soldiers killed. Millions of young men wounded and permanently disabled by gas or exploding shells. Many others suffered from post-war trauma. Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

Millions of dead, wounded or homeless people Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

Millions of dead, wounded or homeless people Millions of displaced refugees who had lost almost everything. Poor living conditions, lack of food and spread of disease. Many more killed due to diseases. Back Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

Four empires broke up Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire and Russia broke up into smaller countries. Many ethnic groups set up their own nations. Former colonies of German and Ottoman Empires administered by Allied Powers until they were ready for self-government. Back Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

Self-determination became popular Self-determination and self-government championed as a principle of peace. Czechoslovakia Hungary Self-determination Self-determination Austro-Hungarian Empire Back Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

New nation-states were set up Back New nation-states were set up Many new countries were set up because of nationalism. Lithuania Latvia Yugoslavia Estonia Nationalism Poland Hungary Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

New boundaries created problems Although new nation-states were formed, ethnic groups did not get to form nations of ethnic uniformity. Many ethnic minorities lived within the borders of newly- created states. These new borders caused ethnic tension. Back Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

World economy damaged World trade disrupted. Resources of great powers depleted. Farms, factories and industrial areas destroyed  no production. Infrastructure destroyed  lengthy restoration. Massive unemployment. Countries cash-strapped, saddled with huge debts. Back Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

Changes to society Divisions in society were heightened. The war brought to the fore differences between two opposing camps of society — pacifists and militarists. The horrors of war tilted some groups more towards pacifism. But other groups became even more fiercely inclined towards militarism. They felt this was the best way to protect their country against invasion and annexation. Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

Changes to society Disillusionment with existing system. Segments of society lost faith in the existing system of government. Looked for alternative social ideologies. Communism emerged. Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

Changes to society Changes to the position of women. Many males in the families were killed in the war. Women’s responsibilities increased. Women’s expectations about their role in society also changed  equal rights, equal opportunities. Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

Changes to society Changes to the position of workers. Working class given right to vote in recognition of its contributions to the war  expansion of electorate. Increasing support for government welfare programmes such as state-provided healthcare and education. Greater expectation for equality with middle class and upper class. Back Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

What was the world like after World War I? Millions of dead, wounded or homeless people Changes to society What was the world like after World War I? Four empires broke up World economy damaged Self-determination became popular New nation-states were set up New boundaries created problems Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

What does this picture tell you about the impact of World War I? Homeless people: There were numerous displaced refugees who had lost almost everything. Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

Destroyed infrastructure: A lengthy restoration was required and the economy was damaged. Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

Changes to position of women in society: They expected equal rights, equal opportunities. Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

Unemployment: Many jobs were displaced by the war. Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

Major countries involved Summary World War I Major countries involved Impact Causes Central Powers Political Powerful countries. Competition for colonies. Arms and naval race. Alliance system. Strong nationalism. Assassination of Archduke of Austria-Hungary. Economic Allied Powers Social Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006

Major countries involved Summary Major countries involved Germany Austria-Hungary Ottoman Turkey Central Powers Britain France Serbia Russia (until 1917) Italy (from May 1915) USA (fought as an Associated Power from 1917) Allied Powers Back to main summary Crisis and Conflict: Impact of World War I Copyright 2006