World War I (WWI), also called the First World War or the Great War, was the first major global war in modern history. It was fought from 28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918. More than 30 countries took part in the war. It changed the political, economic, and social conditions of the world. The war ended many old empires and later became one of the main reasons for World War II.
Causes of World War I
The causes can be remembered by the word MAIN.
M – Militarism
European countries built large armies and modern weapons. Every country wanted to become stronger than its rivals. Britain and Germany competed to build the world’s strongest navy.
A – Alliances
Europe was divided into two military groups.
Allied Powers
- Britain
- France
- Russia (until 1917)
- Italy (joined in 1915)
- United States (joined in 1917)
- Japan
- Serbia, Belgium and other countries
Central Powers
- Germany
- Austria-Hungary
- Ottoman Empire
- Bulgaria
These alliances turned a small regional conflict into a world war.
I – Imperialism
European countries fought for colonies, trade, and natural resources. This created rivalry and increased tension among the major powers.
N – Nationalism
People had strong pride in their own nation. Many ethnic groups wanted independence. Nationalism in the Balkans created serious political tension.
Immediate Cause
The immediate cause of World War I was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne.
On 28 June 1914, he was killed at Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist. Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia and declared war on 28 July 1914. Because of the alliance system, many countries entered the war.
Major Events
In 1914, the war began. Germany attacked Belgium and France. The First Battle of the Marne stopped Germany’s advance and led to trench warfare.
In 1915, Italy left the Triple Alliance and joined the Allied Powers.
In 1916, the Battle of Verdun and the Battle of the Somme became two of the bloodiest battles in history. Tanks were used for the first time on a large scale.
In April 1917, the United States joined the Allied Powers. American soldiers and resources greatly helped the Allies.
In March 1918, Russia left the war after signing the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk.
On 11 November 1918, Germany signed the Armistice, and the fighting ended.
Treaty of Versailles (1919)
The war officially ended with the Treaty of Versailles, signed on 28 June 1919.
Germany accepted responsibility for the war, paid heavy reparations, lost many territories, and reduced its army. The treaty also created the League of Nations to maintain world peace.
However, the treaty was very harsh on Germany. It created anger and economic problems, which later helped Adolf Hitler rise to power.
Consequences of World War I
World War I caused huge destruction across the world.
Around 10 million soldiers were killed, and more than 20 million people were wounded.
The economies of many European countries collapsed because of heavy war expenses and destruction.
Four great empires came to an end:
- German Empire
- Austro-Hungarian Empire
- Ottoman Empire
- Russian Empire
Many new countries such as Poland, Finland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were created.
The United States became a major world power after the war.
Women worked in factories during the war, leading to greater social and political rights.
The harsh peace settlement encouraged the rise of Fascism, Nazism, and Communism. Most historians believe that World War I laid the foundation for World War II.
India’s Role in World War I
India fought as part of the British Empire.
More than 1.3 million Indian soldiers and workers served in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. India also supplied food, money, horses, and other resources.
After the war, Indians expected political reforms. Instead, Britain passed the Rowlatt Act (1919). This increased nationalism and strengthened India’s freedom movement.
