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World War 1 Essay | Essay on World War 1 for Students and Children in English

February 14, 2024 by Prasanna

World War 1 Essay: World War 1 was started in July 1914 and officially ended on November 11, 1918. Conflicts emerged among the most powerful forces in the modern world with the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Germany and the Ottoman Empire (and briefly Italy) on one side, and Britain, France, Russia, and later the United States on the other side during the war.

The war took the lives of some 20 million people and the world’s great empires fell. Czarist Russia turned into reinstated as the communist Soviet Union. Imperial Germany turned into reinstated as the Weimar Republic and lost some parts of its territory in the East and West.

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Long and Short Essays on World War 1 for Students and Kids in English

We are providing students with essay samples on a long essay of 500 words and a short of 150 words on the topic of World War 1 for reference.

Long Essay on World War 1 Essay 500 Words in English

Long Essay on World War 1 Essay is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

World War 1 started with a European conflict and gradually it developed into a World War. Militarism, nationalism, imperialism, and alliances increased the tensions among the European countries. The first reason, militarism, is known as the trend toward developing military resources, both for national defense and the protection of colonial interests.

Militarism indicated a rise in military disbursement and it extended to military and naval forces. It put more impact on the military men upon the policies of the civilian government. As a solution to problems militarism had a preference for force. This was one of the main reasons for the First World War. The second reason is there were too many alliances that frequently clashed with each other. Every country was pawning to safeguard others, creating intertwining mutual protection schemes.

They made alliances in secret, and they created a lot of mistrust and intuition among the European powers. Their general intuition stopped their diplomats to find a proper solution to many of the crises leading to war. Imperialism was the third reason for the First World War. As some areas of the world were left to colonize, nations were competing for subsisting colonies, and they were looking for enlarging their borders with adjacent countries. The fourth cause was nationalism. Nationalism is frequently insinuated to as identification with one’s own country and support for the country. Nationalism contains a strong recognition of a group of personnel with a political entity.

The support of individuals for their own country can become of one’s nation can become hatred of other nations. These were just some of the basic reasons for the war. Many people think that the instant reason for the war was because of the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the successor to Austria-Hungary’s throne. Archduke Ferdinand was fired and murdered due to what was thought to be a political conspiracy. The Austro-Hungarian Empire suddenly doubted Serbian conspiracy in the assassination and looked to frame a response that would both punish Serbia, and make the world respect Austria-Hungary’s prestige and determination.

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The Great War lasted four years. The war was finally over after four years and it took the lives of many people. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, a cease-fire went into effect for all fighters. Though the war has been finished, the effects, are still seen perceptible in the world today.

In the aftermath of World War 1, the political, cultural, and social order of the world was drastically changed in many places, even outside the areas directly involved in the war. Old nations were removed, new nations were formed, international organizations set up, and many new and old ideas took a stronghold in people’s minds.

As Europe fell in debt from war investment, inflation beset the continent. In addition to this, the buoyancy of previous decades was relinquished and a discouraging, gloomy outlook on life was adopted after people had experienced the ferocity of warfare and the effects of the war were brutal.

Short Essay on World War 1 Essay 150 Words in English

Short Essay on World War 1 Essay is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

The War took the lives of approximately 20 million people and put a break in the economic development of several nations. The war happened between two parties consisting of more than one hundred nations. Though all of them did not send armed forces to the battlefield, they were a hoard of commodities and human resources and provided moral support to their companions. It continued for 4 long years from 1914 to 1918. Indian soldiers also took part in World War 1 as a colony of Britain from Africa and West Asia.

India had an aspiration that they might win independence. World War 1 war laid down the economy of the world. It led to food shortage, an outbreak of a pandemic, scarcity of vital items, etc. At the end of 1918, the war came to an end. The Allied Powers won the war. Both parties signed the Peace Treaty called an armistice.

10 Lines on World War 1 Essay in English

1. The First World War was instigated in 1914 by Serbia. 2. The cause of the war was a competition between countries to acquire weapons and build military powers. 3. In 1914, Serbia aroused anger by assassinating Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir of Austria-Hungary throne. 4. The Allied Powers, and the Central Powers fought against each other. 5. The Central Powers include countries, such as Germany, Bulgaria, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, and Turkey. 6. The Allied Powers consisted of Serbia, Russia, The United Kingdom, France, Italy, Japan, and Belgium. 7. India, as a British colony, supported Britain. 8. The German adopted a militaristic Schlieffen approach. 9. World War 1 was fought from trenches, so it is also called the Trench War. 10. The War ended in 1918 after both allies signed an armistice.

FAQ’s on World War 1 Essay

Question 1. List the names of the two allies of the First World War 1914-1918.

Answer: The Allied Powers and the Central Powers.

Question 2. Who declared the First World War?

Answer: Austria-Hungary.

Question 3. Name the countries of Allied Powers.

Answer: Britain, Japan, France, Italy, Russia, the USA.

Question 4.  Why did the First World War end?

Answer: The First World War ended in November 1918 when both allies signed the Peace Treaty known as an armistice.

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World War 1 - Essay Samples And Topic Ideas For Free

World War 1, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict that occurred between 1914 and 1918, chiefly among European powers. Essays on World War 1 might explore the causes of the war, the significant battles, the political dynamics, and the aftermath of the conflict. Discussions could also delve into the technological innovations and tactics employed, the impact of the war on civilian populations, and the cultural and literary responses to the war. Moreover, examining the war’s legacy on international relations, the changing geopolitics, and its role as a precursor to World War 2 can provide a comprehensive exploration of this monumental event in global history. A substantial compilation of free essay instances related to World War 1 you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

How Technology Affected World War 1

In my paper I will be discussing the many inventions, weaponry, tools that were being released during that period of war. Many new weapons were being pushed out and provided for us to use against our enemies. One of the biggest inventions of the early 1900s was the tank, during this time it was a war of trenches filled with machine guns spraying down men before they could even make it past the 'no man's land' the solution to that […]

Causes of World War 1

At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, the world was seething with an explosive, hair-trigger force waiting to explode. Capitalism was undergoing a transition to imperialism. The world’s territory was divided among the world’s most powerful nations. Colonies were scattered throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The struggle between the new empires and the old ones was getting larger and larger. As new forces began to snatch resources, uneven economic development and inadequate […]

World War I: Deadliest War Ever

World war 1 lasted from august 1918 to November 1918. With this war being the deadliest with over 16 million deaths which was between the allied powers which included Serbia, Britain, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium, and the united states versus the central powers which included Austria-Hungary, Germany, Bulgaria, and the ottoman empire. There were many events that led up to the start of world war 1 such as Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassination which was believed to be […]

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What was the Underlying Cause of World War 1

The Great War, also known as the First World War or World War I, was a geopolitical struggle that emerged in 1914 and lasted for four years. In this essay on the underlying cause of World War 1, we'll look at a few things. This international conflict greatly influenced both the sociopolitical and economic development of most nations in Europe, Israel, Russia, the United States, and the Middle East. Notably, the war eroded the central powers in Austria-Hungary, Turkey, and […]

History of the World War 1

The First World War brought along a series of changes compared to the nineteenth century and peoples previous way of living. In America when the war broke out, housework was largely still a woman’s job and men worked to support the household. When America declared war in 1917 and a vast majority of men had to go fight in the war, the power shifted over to the women. “Middle class women often said that the war broke down the restrictions […]

Compare and Contrast in WW1 and WW2

The First World War (WWI) was battled from 1914 to 1918 and the Second World War (or WWII) was battled from 1939 to 1945. They were the biggest military conflicts in mankind's set of experiences. The two conflicts included military collusions between various gatherings of nations. While WWI included the coalition framework, WWII included the Axis Powers and the Central Powers. World War 1 began from 1914 to 1918 and it went on for a very long time. World War […]

Propaganda during World War 1

In the age of national socialism, and the rise of Hitler, media and the creation of art was controlled by the government in order to prevent anti-government propaganda from reaching the public sphere. By preventing artists and journalists from having the creative freedom to express their opinions the media became one sided. Everyone was fed the same anti-Semitic, pro hitler, pro-government news so that they would be brainwashed into believing that their government was protecting them and fixing Germany. Propaganda […]

Large-Scale World War 1

World War I started in 1914 and kept going until 1918, The Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire) battled against the Allied Powers (Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Romania, Japan and the United States). Therefore, because of new military advancements and the detestations of channel fighting, World War I saw uncommon dimensions of the massacre. When the war was finished and the Allied Powers guaranteed victory, in excess of 16 million individuals—military and civilian people alike—were dead. […]

Reasons World War i Started

World War One was started because of many reasons, the British were doing everything in their power to make the United States angry. It worked.. The British tried their best to win U.S. support since at the beginning of the war Wilson declared the United States neutral. Many Americans weren't all in, some of them supported one side and the other supported the other side. The British used propaganda, it's information designed to help people create their opinion. Britain cut […]

Car Production during World War 1

This paper is based on two Primary Sources from Chapter 19, “Of Masses and Visions of the Modern, 1910 – 1939”. The first is “Bruce Barton’s Gospel of Mass Production” and the second is “Cult of the Dynamic Leader”. Both of these sources provide information that relates to the period of time covered in this chapter where major changes in both society and politics developed, especially after World War I. One of the major characteristics of the period was the […]

The Spanish Flu during World War 1

 Spain was the first to report the flu in 1918. Symptoms of the flu are like normal flus like fever, aches and feeling nauseous and fatigue. People with the flu first felt chills or Then they began to feel a headache and begin to have pains on their back which then spread to whole body pains causing tenderness in the muscles. Next came vomiting running eyes and a running nose and coughing plus sore throat. People infected then began to […]

Geography of World War i

World War I began in 1914, after Archduke was killed. Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire, which were the central powers fought against Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Romania, Japan and the United States which were the allied powers. By the time the war was over the allied powers won, and more than 16 million people were killed. The assassination of Archduke set off a bunch of events that include, Austria-Hungary blamed the Serbian government for the attack. On […]

Women’s Role in World War 1

Before WWI women had to stay home to raise the family and do work around the house. The women would cook, clean, do laundry, and take care of the family while they raised their children when the men worked.[Women, wages and rights] Some women would become a teacher or librarian for the towns though it was not favored for women to work. In fact, there was a huge resistance to hiring women for “men’s work”. Women wore dresses and corsets […]

Homogenizing a Pluralistic Nation: Propaganda during World War 1

During the World War 1, President Woodrow Wilson established the Committee on Public Information with an attempt to mobilize the opinion of a diverse American community in support of the nation’s war effort. The Committee used many forms of media from posters to films to deliver messages, inspire, and persuade civilians. Shaping people’s thoughts required a compelling use of persuasion methods. We will analyze three main themes of propaganda: army recruitment, buying war bonds, and uniting a multiethnic society; and […]

The most Awarded Soldier in the History of the World War 1

On October 8, 1918, Sergeant Alvin York single-handedly fought off a rain of bullets from thirty-five German machine guns, along with a large battalion of soldiers; defeating them and capturing 129 soldiers. This remarkable war triumph amazed everyone around him, he earned several merit awards and became one of the most decorated and well-known soldiers in World War I history. However, he faced many tragic events leading up to that point, including being forced to fight and kill in that […]

The Raise of Authoritarian and Ultranationalists after World War 1

The rise of authoritarian and ultranationalist in 1930s was an accumulation of several factors such as economic collapse, mistreatment of peasant farmers and workers, and the need for raw material. The world’s economy after World War one was severely crippled and damaging as many nation were left with large debts and for some countries, the price for losing the war have further pushed their economy into ruins. After World War one, several countries were experiencing inflation, each to various degree. […]

Horror of World War i

Theworld war was as known as the great war between 1914 to 1918. During the war Germany Empire was the vital power in the fight in opposition to four big countries like Great Britain, Franc and United States well as. It brought a huge development of war technics and weapons. For examplethe country build up their military power that is mobilizing term and supping necessary war equipments. For instance In Britain developed a weaponry manufacturing company to lead the full […]

Patriotism during World War 1

Last Sunday marked the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War 1. In remembrance of World War 1, many of the world leaders met in Paris, France, where French President Emmanuel Macron gave a speech at the Armistice Day Ceremony. According to the Washington State Post, Macron argued that “The millions of soldiers who died in the Great War fought to defend the universal values of France, and to reject the selfishness of nations only looking after their […]

Features of the World War 1

World War I was unlike any previous wars because of its reliance on advanced industrial technology and the economic and political organization of nations at war. World War I saw the first widespread use of machine guns, air power, submarine operations, poison gas and armored vehicles. The war was also characterized by mobilization of civilian resources to make the pace of combat much faster. The technology of World War I was unlike any the world had ever seen used in […]

The Coalition of Power: a Closer Look at the Central Powers in World War 1

Major international powers were split into two opposing coalitions during international War I, a struggle that fundamentally changed the direction of the 20th century. The alliance known as the Central Powers, which was mostly made up of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria, was very important to the course of the Great War. This article delves further into the Central Powers' participation in one of the bloodiest wars in history by examining its creation, tactics, and effects during World […]

The Puzzle of World War 1 Central Powers: Untangling the Threads of Global Turmoil

In the chaotic symphony of the First World War, the Central Powers orchestrated a performance that danced on the edge of geopolitics, blending the hues of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria into an enigmatic canvas. This alliance, a concoction of diplomatic intricacies and shared ambitions, unfolded a narrative that surpassed the conventional boundaries of global conflict. As we plunge into the heart of the Central Powers during WW1, we find a tapestry woven with alliances, strategic gambits, and […]

Review of World War One

World War One began in nineteen fourteen, right after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. The war lasted till nineteen nineteen. During the war many countries decided to work together to try and win the war. Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire teamed up against Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Romania, Japan, and the United States. The most important cause of World War One was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. In the summer of […]

The Alliance System: Unraveling the Threads of World War 1

As the curtains fell on the 19th century and the world stood at the threshold of a new era, an intricate web of alliances quietly wove itself across the geopolitical stage. This alliance system, conceived as a mechanism to foster stability, paradoxically became the harbinger of one of the most devastating conflicts in human history – World War I. In unraveling the threads of this complex tapestry, it becomes evident that the alliance system was not merely a backdrop to […]

The Alliance System of World War 1: a Prelude to Global Conflict

The commencement of World War I in 1914 was a watershed moment in history, ushering in an age of large-scale industrial warfare. The intricate alliance structure among Europe's leading nations was key to the conflict's intensification. This network of treaties and accords, forged over decades, laid the groundwork for a regional conflict to escalate into a worldwide war. This article investigates the development, nature, and significance of alliances prior to World War I, giving insights into how they led to […]

Beneath the Waves: the Role of Submarines in World War 1

The First World War, often characterized by its brutal trench warfare and massive land battles, also marked a significant chapter in naval history with the strategic use of submarines. These underwater vessels, relatively new to the theater of war, brought a unique dimension to naval combat and significantly impacted the war's course. This essay explores the role and evolution of submarines during World War I, examining their strategic significance, technological advancements, and the challenges they posed to traditional naval powers. […]

Was the World War 2 a Continuation of World War 1?

World War II Research and Family Paper, The Second World War was one of the most tragic wars facing us in the 1900s. The Second World War is the continuation of the First World War but at a completely new level. I'll explain an overview of the war and what it was like to live through it in this research paper. The Genesis of World War II There were many things that could be considered to have caused the war, […]

Information about World War i

World War 1, also known as the first world war and the great war, had started conflicts throughout the world. 1914-1918 most of the european countries, Russia, and the middle east were at war. The United States would also be entering the war later as it went on. Germany, Austria, and Turkey were the Central Powers, they fought against the Allies which was France, Great Britain, Russia and later the U.S. 19 million soldiers and civilians died in World War […]

Comparing World War i and World War II

World War I was one of the greatest wars of all time. It was very hard times for the world, as people all around were constantly in fear of what could be their tomorrow. But it wasn't always this horrid, as certain events let to this point in history. Everyone surrounded by moods changing before, during, and after the Great War. The conflict between different countries led to what could've been an even greater disaster. Before World War I, the […]

United States Joining and Involved in World War i

On April 6, 1917, the United States joined its allies, Great Britain, France, and Russia, and fought in World War I. The U.S. army was under the command of General John J. Pershing. More than 2 million U.S. soldiers battled and fought on France battlefields during this war. When World War 1 began in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson pledged neutrality (the United States would not support or take part in World War I) for the United States. Many U.S. citizens […]

The Guns of August (1962) by Barbara W. Tuchman

The book “The Guns of August” explains many topics throughout it, such as, imperialism, political alliances, the diplomacy of royalty amongst national rivalries, and even the social darwinism in the years leading up to the Great War. The Great War lasted from 1914-1918. This book starts by explaining the scene of the funeral for King Edward VII. There were many royal people that attended this event, such as 5 heirs, 40 imperials or royal highnesses, 7 queens, and a whole […]

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How To Write an Essay About World War 1

Introduction to world war 1.

When embarking on an essay about World War 1, it's essential to first establish a clear understanding of the historical context and significance of the war. Known as "The Great War," World War 1 was a pivotal event in world history, marked by its unprecedented scale, the involvement of numerous nations, and the introduction of new warfare technologies. In your introduction, outline the basic timeline of the war, from its origins in 1914 to its conclusion in 1918, and the main countries involved. This initial section should set the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the war's causes, major battles, political dynamics, and its profound impact on the 20th century.

Analyzing the Causes and Key Events

The main body of your essay should delve into the complex causes and key events of World War 1. Explore the intricate web of alliances, militarism, imperialism, and nationalism that set the stage for the war. Discuss critical battles and campaigns, such as the Battle of the Somme, the Battle of Verdun, and the Gallipoli Campaign, highlighting their strategic importance and the human cost involved. It's crucial to use specific examples and historical data to illustrate the progression of the war and the shifts in momentum among the warring nations. This section should provide a detailed and nuanced understanding of how World War 1 unfolded and the factors that drove its progression.

The Impact of World War 1

In this section, focus on the wide-ranging impact of World War 1. Analyze the immediate consequences, including the massive loss of life, the physical and psychological toll on soldiers, and the political upheaval in many participating countries. Discuss the broader implications of the war, such as the redrawing of national borders, the dissolution of empires, and the setting of the stage for World War 2. Consider also the social and cultural impacts, including how the war influenced art, literature, and public attitudes towards war and peace. This part of the essay should highlight the transformative effect World War 1 had on the world.

Concluding Reflections on World War 1

Conclude your essay by summarizing the key points of your analysis, emphasizing the historical significance of World War 1. Reflect on the lessons learned from the war and its relevance to modern society. Consider how understanding the complexities of World War 1 can provide insights into current global conflicts and international relations. A well-crafted conclusion will not only bring closure to your essay but also underscore the enduring legacy of World War 1 in shaping the contemporary world.

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103 World War 1 Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

World War 1, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It was one of the deadliest conflicts in history, with millions of soldiers and civilians losing their lives. This war had a profound impact on the world, shaping the course of history and setting the stage for future conflicts.

If you are studying World War 1 and are in need of essay topic ideas, look no further. Here are 103 World War 1 essay topic ideas and examples to help you get started:

• The causes of World War 1
• The role of nationalism in World War 1
• The impact of militarism on World War 1
• The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and its role in starting World War 1
• The alliance system in World War 1
• The role of imperialism in World War 1
• The impact of technology on World War 1
• The role of propaganda in World War 1
• The role of women in World War 1
• The impact of the Treaty of Versailles on World War 1
• The role of the United States in World War 1
• The impact of trench warfare on World War 1
• The role of gas warfare in World War 1
• The impact of the Russian Revolution on World War 1
• The role of colonial troops in World War 1
• The impact of the influenza pandemic on World War 1
• The role of war poets in World War 1
• The impact of the sinking of the Lusitania on World War 1
• The role of air power in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of the Somme on World War 1
• The role of the Balkans in World War 1
• The impact of the Armenian Genocide on World War 1
• The role of the Ottoman Empire in World War 1
• The impact of the Gallipoli campaign on World War 1
• The role of war crimes in World War 1
• The impact of shell shock on World War 1
• The role of war propaganda in World War 1
• The impact of the Christmas Truce on World War 1
• The role of intelligence in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Jutland on World War 1
• The role of submarines in World War 1
• The impact of the Zimmermann Telegram on World War 1
• The role of conscription in World War 1
• The impact of the Arab Revolt on World War 1
• The role of the Eastern Front in World War 1
• The impact of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk on World War 1
• The role of the Red Baron in World War 1
• The impact of the Treaty of London on World War 1
• The role of the Home Front in World War 1
• The impact of the Paris Peace Conference on World War 1
• The role of the League of Nations in World War 1
• The impact of the Spanish flu on World War 1
• The role of the White Army in World War 1
• The impact of the Black Hand on World War 1
• The role of the Harlem Hellfighters in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Passchendaele on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Verdun in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Tannenberg on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Caporetto in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Marne on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Gallipoli in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Ypres on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Cambrai in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of the Falkland Islands on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Coronel in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Coronel on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Heligoland Bight in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Heligoland Bight on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Dogger Bank in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Dogger Bank on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Jutland in World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Arras in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Arras on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Aisne in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Aisne on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Meuse-Argonne in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Meuse-Argonne on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Saint-Mihiel in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Saint-Mihiel on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Cantigny in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Cantigny on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Belleau Wood in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Belleau Wood on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Chateau-Thierry in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Chateau-Thierry on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Soissons in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Soissons on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Montfaucon in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Montfaucon on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Selle in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Selle on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of Courtrai in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of Courtrai on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of the Sambre in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of the Sambre on World War 1
• The role of the Battle of the Selle in World War 1
• The impact of the Battle of the Selle on World War 1

These essay topic ideas and examples cover a wide range of aspects of World War 1, from its causes and consequences to specific battles and events. Whether you are writing a research paper or a reflective essay, these topics can help you explore different aspects of this pivotal moment in history. Good luck with your writing!

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Essay on World War 1

Students are often asked to write an essay on World War 1 in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on World War 1

Introduction.

World War 1, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict that started in 1914 and ended in 1918. It involved many world powers and caused significant changes globally.

Causes of the War

The war began due to various reasons including nationalism, imperialism, militarism, and a complex system of alliances. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary triggered the war.

Major Battles

Key battles included the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Verdun. These battles caused heavy casualties and marked turning points in the war.

End of the War

The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. This treaty held Germany responsible for the war and imposed heavy penalties.

Impact of the War

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250 Words Essay on World War 1

Origins of world war 1.

World War 1, also known as the Great War, began in 1914, triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary. An intricate web of alliances across Europe, coupled with nationalistic fervor, propelled the continent into war.

The Central and Allied Powers

The war was fought between the Central Powers, led by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire, and the Allied Powers, comprising France, Russia, and the United Kingdom. The United States initially maintained neutrality but joined the Allies in 1917.

The Nature of Warfare

World War 1 marked a shift from conventional to trench warfare, characterized by its static nature and high casualty rates. The war also saw the introduction of new technology, including tanks, aircraft, and chemical weapons, which further escalated its devastating impact.

Impact and Aftermath

The war resulted in significant geopolitical changes, including revolutions in many of the nations involved. The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, ended the war but sowed the seeds for future conflicts, including World War 2. The war also marked the beginning of significant shifts in global power.

Legacy of World War 1

500 words essay on world war 1.

World War I, often referred to as the Great War, was a global conflict that commenced on July 28, 1914, and lasted until November 11, 1918. This war, unprecedented in the annals of history, brought significant changes to the political, social, and economic spheres of the world.

The inception of World War I can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors. Nationalism, militarism, and imperialism were the undercurrents that fueled the war. However, the immediate catalyst was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary, by a Serbian nationalist in June 1914. This event led to a diplomatic crisis, and the entangled web of alliances among European powers escalated the situation into a full-scale war.

The War Fronts and Strategies

Major events.

Key events of World War I include the Battle of the Marne, where the German advance was halted, marking the end of mobile warfare on the Western Front. The Gallipoli Campaign was another significant event, where the Allies’ failed attempt to control the sea route from Europe to Russia resulted in heavy casualties. The sinking of the passenger ship Lusitania by a German submarine, which resulted in American deaths, was instrumental in bringing the United States into the war in 1917.

Technological Advancements

World War I was a crucible for technological innovation. The war saw the first use of chemical weapons, tanks, and aircraft in combat. Submarines became a significant naval weapon, and machine guns became a ubiquitous feature on the battlefield. These advancements changed the face of warfare, making it more lethal and mechanized.

Conclusion: The Aftermath

World War I was a watershed event in human history, leaving an indelible mark on the world’s political, social, and economic landscape. Its repercussions are still felt today, making it a pivotal study in understanding the dynamics of global conflicts.

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179 World War 1 Essay Topics & Examples

If you’re looking for interesting World War I topics, you’re in the right place! StudyCorgi has plenty of WW1 topics to write about. Below is an extensive list of ideas for an essay, thesis, or research paper. Besides WWI research topics and questions, you’ll find free WW1 essay examples. Read them to get inspiration for your work.

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• Consequences of World War I and World War II
• Nationalism as a Cause of World War I
• America After World War I: A Melting Pot or a Salad Bowl
• World War I: History and Causes
• Renaissance Development and Crisis of the World War I
• Events That Led to the Outbreak of World War I
• Pan-Slavism and Nationalism as Causes of World War I
• Ottoman Empire’s Role in World War I This paper evaluates the late Ottoman Empire and World War I by analyzing how the Ottoman empire lived before the war, and how people were recruited.
• The Development of Modern America After WWI The development of the automobile industry, the popularity of culture, and the first attempts to maintain international peace boosted the U.S. in a significant way.
• Aspects of World War I in Harvey Dunn’s “On the Wire” Although the United States was the last major power to enter World War I, its soldiers experienced their fair share of fighting.
• World War II Was a Continuation of World War I WWI was a conflict between the Central Powers and the Allied Powers. The former included Germany, the Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria, and Austria-Hungary.
• World War I (WWI) Effects On American Society WWI brought into America new cultural practices, it became a stimulant for trade, and it also brought into the country a unifying spirit which contributed to the economic success.
• The United States’ Role in the World War I The U.S. managed to maintain neutrality for an impressive amount of time, yet even the American government had to define its position toward WWI at some point.
• World War I, Its Causes and the US Interference In the case of WWI, nationalism led to the development of a competitive worldwide environment where each country felt the urge to overpower its closest rivals.
• Conscription in Canada During World War I In Canada, Conscription during World War I was a total failure as it left the nation more divided than it was before.
• History of Aviation in World War I and World War II Aviation history has various periods that crafted its unique story. It began before the seventeenth century and is known for several momentous events that led to its development, such as World War I and World War II.
• World War I: Nationalism, Imperialism, Militarism This paper analyzes how nationalism, imperialism, and militarism irrevocably led to World War I, and how the alliance system contributed to the ultimate outbreak of war.
• Causes and Consequences of World War I The WW I is considered one of the most devastating and horrible military conflicts in the history of humanity, which resulted in the creation of the new world order and the collapse of numerous states.
• World War I and the Treaty of Versailles World War I ended with the complete defeat and capitulation of Germany and its allies; the Versailles Peace Treaty was signed.
• The United States’ Decision to Enter World War I Any bad consequences of the decision to take part in the war are justified and compensated by some reasonable geopolitical evidence.
• The Economic, Socio-Cultural, and Political Causes of World War I The paper analysis World War I which was an international conflict that ensued between the central powers one hand against the allies.
• The Battle of the Somme: A Bloody Symbol of World War I The Battle of the Somme, a pivotal conflict in World War I, stands as a stark reminder of the brutality and senseless loss of life that characterized the war.
• Europe After World War I vs. World War II When reviewing the post-war periods of both wars, it is first necessary to analyze the results of the First World War.
• The Great Migration and World War I’s Impact on African Americans The Great Migration and World War I have been a time of significant change for African Americans, not just tricky times.
• How Woodrow Wilson Led the US to Involvement in World War I President Woodrow Wilson combined legalism, moralism, and idealism to argue for the United States’ entry into World War I.
• Impacts on Women’s Role After World War I The demographic, economic, social, and political impacts on women included voting rights, access to education, and better jobs, and changing of women’s positions in society.
• Events in the Balkans in Bringing About World War I The Balkan Wars began as a result of the unrest in Macedonia, which caused upheaval in Greece, Serbia, and Bulgaria.
• The Major Alliances of World War I World War I became an arena of the bloody confrontation between two major “armed camps” of the era — the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente.
• How WWI Changed Women’s Role in America The Great War initiated changes in the societal roles of American women. This was contributed by the contributions that they made during the war.
• Keiser’s Abdication During World War I After realizing that Germany would lose World War 1 on November 9, 1918, Keiser Wilhelm 11 was abdicated as the British Emperor and King of Prussia.
• What Was the Most Significant Reason to the Outbreak of World War 1
• Factors That Made the United States Join the Alliances in World War 1
• How Did the Development of Technology Affect World War 1
• What Expectation Did British Soldiers and Civilians Have of Their Government Following WWI
• The American Home Front During World War 1
• Traditions and Encounters: World War 1
• Fertility Shocks and Equilibrium Marriage-Rate Dynamics: Lessons From World War 1 in France
• Analyzing Propaganda During World War 1
• Good Cynicism and Bitterness From World War 1
• What Was Trench Warfare and What Was Its Impact in World War 1
• How Did the Interdependency of the Alliance Systems Help Lead To the Outbreak of WW1
• The Long Term and Short Term Causes of WW1 and How Each Player Became Involved in the Great War
• How Womens Lives Were Affected by World War 1
• How Did Imperialism Cause World War 1
• How the European Alliance Helped Cause World War 1
• The Impact World War 1 Had on Russia
• How Did the Middle East Change as a Result of World War 1
• What Was Life Like in the Trenches During World War 1
• How Did the Outbreak of WWI Contribute to the Genocide of the Armenians
• Why Australians Joined World War 1
• How Germany Was Reborn After the Defeat in World War I There is an ongoing debate in historical scholarship about how quickly Germany managed to become great again after its defeat in World War I.
• World War I vs. World War II Differences The paper states that there is often a discourse among military historians that the First and Second World Wars are one event or two different ones.
• Trench Warfare During World War I Trench warfare during World War I was characterized by the broad use of occupied lines consisting of trenches guaranteeing better protection to troops.
• World War I and Its Psychological Consequences Different psychological consequences that significantly influenced the nations in World War I included post-traumatic stress disorder, hunger, and grief.
• Participation of Different Nationalities in World War I World War I affected many states, and as the conflict progressed, more countries outside of Europe participated in it, which is why this conflict is a “world war.”
• Stance Against Communist Russia After World War I After World War I, US President Woodrow Wilson took significant steps toward establishing a strict regime of non-acceptance of Soviet ideology and political isolation.
• The Role of Western Power in the Middle East After World War I This paper examines the role of Western influence in the Middle East after World War I and how their presence shaped the region.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder During and After World War I The paper examines the causes and manifestations of PTSD during and after World War I, despite the absence of this term at that time, and how diagnosis and treatment are made.
• Essentials of Chemical Warfare During World War I Below, the primary aspects of the application of chemical weapons will be presented, making an emphasis on the strategic changes it caused.
• How War Trauma Evolved During World War I This paper is an annotated bibliography that aims to find out how war trauma evolved from clinical and scientific perspectives during World War I.
• World War I Reflected in Literature and Art The romantic spirit during the early days of World War I eventually transformed into the personal tragedies of numerous people, which has been reflected in the works of poets.
• The Late Ottoman Empire and World War I: Annotated Bibliography The study explains how military knowledge was exchanged between the Ottoman Army, Turkish soldiers, and the Germans during World War I.
• World War I: The Brief Analysis The history of the World War I actually is that of an arms race among the most powerful empires of the early 20th century.
• African-American Experience of World War I and the Harlem Renaissance This article aims to look at the African-American experience throughout World War I and the Harlem Renaissance.
• Globalization After World War I The emergence of the global economy corresponds to the aftermath of World War I, and the battle of governments and markets for control over the field brought unexpected results.
• World War I: Battle of Hill 70 Four months after Vimy Ridge, the Battle of Hill 70 was the first major Canadian battle of the summer and Lieutenant-General Arthur Currie first war in his whole career.
• World War I and the Treaty of Versailles At the end of World War I, in the aftermath of the Soviet Union revolution and other developments in Russia, the Treaty of Versailles was adopted in 1918.
• World War I and Its Impact on the Life of Europe The Great War affected every aspect of life in Europe. It led to a substantial geopolitical reshuffle, the dissolution of several empires, and the emergence of new nation-states.
• The First World War as a Catalyst of Geopolitical Change The First World War is the prologue to the most significant geopolitical change. As a result of it, the Ottoman Empire, the Russian Empire, and the German Empire collapsed.
• WWI and Territorial Changes in Europe This paper reviews how the Russian, Ottoman, German, and Austria-Hungary empires collapsed during and after WWI and which regions were created from the downfall.
• Results of World War I for Germany Having studied Germany’s after-war commitments, one should conclude that they could have been one of the principal causes of World War II.
• The Progressive Era and World War I The purpose of this paper is to discuss whether the decision to enter the war was a failure or success from the point of view of the Progressive Era values and ideas.
• Post-WWI America in “Soldier’s Home” by Ernest Hemingway The purpose of this paper is to analyze the short story in terms of its plot, characters, setting, and conflict in relation to its overall message and symbolism.
• “Experiences of World War I Soldiers” Lecture by Isherwood This essay discusses the lecture “Experiences of World War I Soldiers” by Ian Isherwood, from his course “Aftermath: The Experience of War and ‘Modern’ Memory.”
• World War I as a Total War World War I was a conflict the nations had never seen before. Over thirty countries lost millions of lives between 1914 and 1918, fighting for their ideals and principles.
• Causes of World War I Overview The increase of the armaments and military forces by the European countries in the years preceding 1914 was another predecessor of World War I.
• Workers and Immigrants During the World War I and II The consequences of World War I, the restriction of immigration, and the fear of immigrants led to the isolation of the United States during the 1930s.
• Was World War One the Main Cause of the Russian Revolution? This paper will explore the contribution of the First World War to the subsequent revolution that took place in Russia, analyzing whether the war was the main contributing factor.
• American World War I Propaganda The U.S.A. produced the greatest number of propaganda materials in relation to any other single nation participating in the war.
• Nursing During World War I: The Importance of the Discipline In the USA, the World War I provided an avenue for nursing to discover the importance of professional training and discipline. This war posed a threat to the status of nursing.
• The World War I and the October Revolution Russia’s participation in the First World War added to the misery of the people who not only had to suffer the poverty at home but also had to fight and support an unpopular war.
• World War 1 Influences Analysis No one state can be charged with causing the world war. It was as a result of economic and political rivalry among nations. There was also the issue of nationalism.
• The Chinese in Canada Before World War I Canada before World War One was characterised by the immigration of foreign communities, especially the Chinese, which resulted in suspicion and fear by locals.
• Employment Opportunities for British Women After World War I Due to the need for Great Britain to unite all of its resources to survive the devastating effect of WWI, the social role and the opportunities for employment changed for women.
• World War I: Wilson Woodrow and League of Nations This is an essay that generally talks about some of the events of World War I, there is a discussion about Wilson Woodrow and his fight for the League of Nations.
• World War I and American Neutrality The U.S. Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles due to provisions established by Woodrow Wilson regarding collective security and the League of Nations.
• World War I and the United States’ Participation American people will always remember the effects of World War I. It claimed millions of lives and caused the destruction of cultural and architectural masterpieces.
• The History of Reasons for WWI Outbreak and the United States in WWI On April 6th, 1917, the United States of America decided to enter the First World War after maintaining its neutrality for three years since the conflict’s beginning.
• The World Remade: World War I The World War I became one of the most meaningful events that shaped the history of the humanity and preconditioned the development of the global intercourse in a particular way.
• World War I: Causes and the Entry of the US The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the immediate cause of World War I. But the events that led to the Great War go further back into the nineteenth century.
• World War I: Prerequisites and Consequences World War I is an example of how political ideologies and movements can influence the course of history and people’s perception of current events.
• World War I: Causes and the United States’ Role This paper aims to investigate the underlying causes of World War I along with the exploration of the role of the United States in the war.
• World War I: Pan-Slavism in German-Speaking States This paper analyzes the role of nationalism, imperialism, and militarism and especially the rise of Pan-Slavism in Eastern Europe in German-speaking states.
• World War I and the US’ Role During and After It This paper is dedicated to revealing the causes of World War I as well as defining the role of the United States during the war and after its end.
• Events and Causes of World War I World War 1 took place between 1914 and 1918. A number of authors and scholars have come up with possible causes of the First World War. It took place between rich countries.
• Modernization in Post World War I Turkey and Iran After World War I, the important and contradictory process of modernization of Middle Eastern countries could be observed. The prominent examples are Iran and Turkey.
• World War One: Fundamental Reasons The paper examines the fundamental reasons that have led to World War One and make an accent on the reasons that drew the United States of America into the world conflict.
• World War I, Its Chronology and Impacts This paper focuses on World War I that was identified as an important mark in the world’s history. It provides a detailed description of the war and explain its impacts.
• WWI and Interwar Military Innovations WWI triggered the development of an array of interwar military innovations. Today specialization is common in contemporary military forces.
• The League of Nations’ Activity After World War I It should be noted that President Roosevelt, although concerned about Germany’s actions, only gave one speech in Chicago, but no action had followed.
• Pan-Slavism in Fueling World War I The role of Pan-Slavism in fueling WWI has often been put in the center of discussions about this historic event.
• Causes of World War I: Nationalism, Alliances, Strive for Domination The Great War caused the death of at least 8.5 million soldiers and 7 million civilians. The Great War maimed and injured 20 million people.
• Outbreak of World War I The World War I was inevitable as it resulted from the existing differences, leaders` personal ambitions, and the unstable international situation.
• World War I Aftermath for the United States World War I is one of the darkest moments in modern times. It erupted in 1914 with the world’s powerful nations forming opposing alliances.
• World War I and Political World Domination The complexity of the origins of World War I is undeniable, but it is possible to observe that one of the crucial factors was the struggle for domination on the political map.
• World War I Provocative Phenomenas The World War I demonstrated the role of the alliance system, the use of poison gas, and the effect of the genocide on the nations’ development.
• The Reaction of the American Citizens to the US Entry into World War I World War I left a lasting impact on America, influencing the next ten years of American foreign policy and domestic policy.
• Recruitment, Censorship and Propoganda in WW1 in Both Britain and Germany
• Discovering the American Past in World War 1
• Which Was the More Important Cause of World War 1
• The Most Influential Underlying Causes of World War 1
• Canadian History Since World War 1
• Comparison Between World War 1 And World War 2
• Military Leaders World War 1 as Well as After the War
• The Differences Between WWI and WWII
• The Bauhaus Movement During the World War 1
• What Expectation Did British Soldiers and Civilians Have of Their Government Following WWI?
• Causes Effects and Aftermath of World War 1 History
• How America Suffered From World War 1
• Aircraft During World War 1 and World War 2
• Liberal Democracy and Capitalism After World War 1
• Germany Between World War One to World War Two: Culture and Politics
• The Four Main Long-Term Causes of World War 1
• Industrial Revolution and the World War 1
• How Did the Location of Industry Respond to Falling Transport Costs in Britain Before World War 1
• The Fallout After World War 1 and the Great Depression
• The United States’ Entry Into World War 1
• How Did WW1 Lead to the Development of the Medical Field of Plastic Surgery?
• What Did the Intelligence Tradecraft Develop During World War 1?
• Did Britain Want Germany Weak After World War 1?
• Why Did Italy Enter Into World War 1?
• How Did Technological Developments During WW1 Affect the Soldiers Who Fought?
• Was WW1 the Result of Tensions Caused by German Nationalism?
• Should the United States Have Entered World War 1?
• Why Was World War 1 a Total War for Britain?
• What Was the Political Impact of World War 1?
• How Did Modern Weapons Change Combat in the First World War?
• Did WW1 Change the Status of Women?
• Was Germany Responsible for the Outbreak of World War 1?
• What Was the Underlying Cause of World War 1?
• How Did the World War 1 Change British Society?
• Why Did Australia Become Involved in World War 1?
• Should Any One Nation Be Seen as Responsible for the Outbreak of the First World War?
• How Did the First World War Affect Britain?
• What Was the Contribution of Britain to the Defeat of Germany in WW1?
• Did the First World War Liberate British Women?
• Why Did Central Power Lose the World War 1?
• How Did World War 1 Exacerbate Europe’s Economic Problems?
• Was the United States Genuinely Neutral During the First Years of World War 1?
• Did the First World War Represent an Irrevocable Crisis of Gender in the UK?
• How Did World War 1 Influence Modern-Day Art?
• Why Did Aircraft Make Significant Differences in World War 1?
• The role of nationalism in fueling WWI.
• Conditions, strategies, and impact of trench warfare during WWI.
• The significance of new weapons and military technology in WWI.
• The role of propaganda in shaping public opinion during WWI.
• The effects of WW1 on the lives of civilians.
• Immediate and long-term consequences of the Treaty of Versailles.
• The significance of colonial troops in WWI.
• Artistic responses to WWI and its aftermath.
• The impact of WWI on the global balance of powers.
• The progress in medical practices and treatments during WWI.
• Diplomatic failures and tensions that led to WWI.
• The experiences of soldiers in the trenches.
• Women’s non-combat roles during WW1.
• The role of espionage and intelligence in WW1.
• Religious institutions’ responses to WWI.
• The involvement of non-European countries in WW1.
• Aerial warfare strategies in WWI.
• The role of war correspondents in reporting on WW1.
• The impact of WW1 on subsequent conflicts and international relations.
• Ways in which WWI is remembered and commemorated in different countries.

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World War I

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World War I

By: History.com Editors

Updated: May 10, 2024 | Original: October 29, 2009

World War I, also known as the Great War, started in 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. His murder catapulted into a war across Europe that lasted until 1918. During the four-year conflict, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire (the Central Powers) fought against Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Romania, Canada, Japan and the United States (the Allied Powers). Thanks to new military technologies and the horrors of trench warfare, World War I saw unprecedented levels of carnage and destruction. By the time the war was over and the Allied Powers had won, more than 16 million people—soldiers and civilians alike—were dead.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Tensions had been brewing throughout Europe—especially in the troubled Balkan region of southeast Europe—for years before World War I actually broke out.

A number of alliances involving European powers, the Ottoman Empire , Russia and other parties had existed for years, but political instability in the Balkans (particularly Bosnia, Serbia and Herzegovina) threatened to destroy these agreements.

The spark that ignited World War I was struck in Sarajevo, Bosnia, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand —heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire—was shot to death along with his wife, Sophie, by the Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip on June 28, 1914. Princip and other nationalists were struggling to end Austro-Hungarian rule over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Great War

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The assassination of Franz Ferdinand set off a rapidly escalating chain of events: Austria-Hungary , like many countries around the world, blamed the Serbian government for the attack and hoped to use the incident as justification for settling the question of Serbian nationalism once and for all.

Kaiser Wilhelm II

Because mighty Russia supported Serbia, Austria-Hungary waited to declare war until its leaders received assurance from German leader Kaiser Wilhelm II that Germany would support their cause. Austro-Hungarian leaders feared that a Russian intervention would involve Russia’s ally, France, and possibly Great Britain as well.

On July 5, Kaiser Wilhelm secretly pledged his support, giving Austria-Hungary a so-called carte blanche, or “blank check” assurance of Germany’s backing in the case of war. The Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary then sent an ultimatum to Serbia, with such harsh terms as to make it almost impossible to accept.

World War I Begins

Convinced that Austria-Hungary was readying for war, the Serbian government ordered the Serbian army to mobilize and appealed to Russia for assistance. On July 28, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, and the tenuous peace between Europe’s great powers quickly collapsed.

Within a week, Russia, Belgium, France, Great Britain and Serbia had lined up against Austria-Hungary and Germany, and World War I had begun.

The Western Front

According to an aggressive military strategy known as the Schlieffen Plan (named for its mastermind, German Field Marshal Alfred von Schlieffen ), Germany began fighting World War I on two fronts, invading France through neutral Belgium in the west and confronting Russia in the east.

On August 4, 1914, German troops crossed the border into Belgium. In the first battle of World War I, the Germans assaulted the heavily fortified city of Liege , using the most powerful weapons in their arsenal—enormous siege cannons—to capture the city by August 15. The Germans left death and destruction in their wake as they advanced through Belgium toward France, shooting civilians and executing a Belgian priest they had accused of inciting civilian resistance. 

First Battle of the Marne

In the First Battle of the Marne , fought from September 6-9, 1914, French and British forces confronted the invading German army, which had by then penetrated deep into northeastern France, within 30 miles of Paris. The Allied troops checked the German advance and mounted a successful counterattack, driving the Germans back to the north of the Aisne River.

The defeat meant the end of German plans for a quick victory in France. Both sides dug into trenches , and the Western Front was the setting for a hellish war of attrition that would last more than three years.

Particularly long and costly battles in this campaign were fought at Verdun (February-December 1916) and the Battle of the Somme (July-November 1916). German and French troops suffered close to a million casualties in the Battle of Verdun alone.

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World War I Books and Art

The bloodshed on the battlefields of the Western Front, and the difficulties its soldiers had for years after the fighting had ended, inspired such works of art as “ All Quiet on the Western Front ” by Erich Maria Remarque and “ In Flanders Fields ” by Canadian doctor Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae . In the latter poem, McCrae writes from the perspective of the fallen soldiers:

Published in 1915, the poem inspired the use of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance.

Visual artists like Otto Dix of Germany and British painters Wyndham Lewis, Paul Nash and David Bomberg used their firsthand experience as soldiers in World War I to create their art, capturing the anguish of trench warfare and exploring the themes of technology, violence and landscapes decimated by war.

The Eastern Front

On the Eastern Front of World War I, Russian forces invaded the German-held regions of East Prussia and Poland but were stopped short by German and Austrian forces at the Battle of Tannenberg in late August 1914.

Despite that victory, Russia’s assault forced Germany to move two corps from the Western Front to the Eastern, contributing to the German loss in the Battle of the Marne.

Combined with the fierce Allied resistance in France, the ability of Russia’s huge war machine to mobilize relatively quickly in the east ensured a longer, more grueling conflict instead of the quick victory Germany had hoped to win under the Schlieffen Plan .

Russian Revolution

From 1914 to 1916, Russia’s army mounted several offensives on World War I’s Eastern Front but was unable to break through German lines.

Defeat on the battlefield, combined with economic instability and the scarcity of food and other essentials, led to mounting discontent among the bulk of Russia’s population, especially the poverty-stricken workers and peasants. This increased hostility was directed toward the imperial regime of Czar Nicholas II and his unpopular German-born wife, Alexandra.

Russia’s simmering instability exploded in the Russian Revolution of 1917, spearheaded by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks , which ended czarist rule and brought a halt to Russian participation in World War I.

Russia reached an armistice with the Central Powers in early December 1917, freeing German troops to face the remaining Allies on the Western Front.

America Enters World War I

At the outbreak of fighting in 1914, the United States remained on the sidelines of World War I, adopting the policy of neutrality favored by President Woodrow Wilson while continuing to engage in commerce and shipping with European countries on both sides of the conflict.

Neutrality, however, it was increasingly difficult to maintain in the face of Germany’s unchecked submarine aggression against neutral ships, including those carrying passengers. In 1915, Germany declared the waters surrounding the British Isles to be a war zone, and German U-boats sunk several commercial and passenger vessels, including some U.S. ships.

Widespread protest over the sinking by U-boat of the British ocean liner Lusitania —traveling from New York to Liverpool, England with hundreds of American passengers onboard—in May 1915 helped turn the tide of American public opinion against Germany. In February 1917, Congress passed a $250 million arms appropriations bill intended to make the United States ready for war.

Germany sunk four more U.S. merchant ships the following month, and on April 2 Woodrow Wilson appeared before Congress and called for a declaration of war against Germany.

Gallipoli Campaign

With World War I having effectively settled into a stalemate in Europe, the Allies attempted to score a victory against the Ottoman Empire, which entered the conflict on the side of the Central Powers in late 1914.

After a failed attack on the Dardanelles (the strait linking the Sea of Marmara with the Aegean Sea), Allied forces led by Britain launched a large-scale land invasion of the Gallipoli Peninsula in April 1915. The invasion also proved a dismal failure, and in January 1916 Allied forces staged a full retreat from the shores of the peninsula after suffering 250,000 casualties.

Did you know? The young Winston Churchill, then first lord of the British Admiralty, resigned his command after the failed Gallipoli campaign in 1916, accepting a commission with an infantry battalion in France.

British-led forces also combated the Ottoman Turks in Egypt and Mesopotamia , while in northern Italy, Austrian and Italian troops faced off in a series of 12 battles along the Isonzo River, located at the border between the two nations.

Battle of the Isonzo

The First Battle of the Isonzo took place in the late spring of 1915, soon after Italy’s entrance into the war on the Allied side. In the Twelfth Battle of the Isonzo, also known as the Battle of Caporetto (October 1917), German reinforcements helped Austria-Hungary win a decisive victory.

After Caporetto, Italy’s allies jumped in to offer increased assistance. British and French—and later, American—troops arrived in the region, and the Allies began to take back the Italian Front.

World War I at Sea

In the years before World War I, the superiority of Britain’s Royal Navy was unchallenged by any other nation’s fleet, but the Imperial German Navy had made substantial strides in closing the gap between the two naval powers. Germany’s strength on the high seas was also aided by its lethal fleet of U-boat submarines.

After the Battle of Dogger Bank in January 1915, in which the British mounted a surprise attack on German ships in the North Sea, the German navy chose not to confront Britain’s mighty Royal Navy in a major battle for more than a year, preferring to rest the bulk of its naval strategy on its U-boats.

The biggest naval engagement of World War I, the Battle of Jutland (May 1916) left British naval superiority on the North Sea intact, and Germany would make no further attempts to break an Allied naval blockade for the remainder of the war.

8 Events that Led to World War I

Imperialism, nationalistic pride and mutual alliances all played a part in building tensions that would erupt into war.

World War I Battles: Timeline

For four years, from 1914 to 1918, World War I raged across Europe’s western and eastern fronts after growing tensions and then the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria ignited the war. Trench warfare and the early use of tanks, submarines and airplanes meant the war’s battles were devastatingly bloody, claiming an estimated 40 […]

10 Things You May Not Know About the Battle of Verdun

Explore 10 surprising facts about one of the longest and most brutal campaigns of World War I.

World War I Planes

World War I was the first major conflict to harness the power of planes. Though not as impactful as the British Royal Navy or Germany’s U-boats, the use of planes in World War I presaged their later, pivotal role in military conflicts around the globe.

At the dawn of World War I, aviation was a relatively new field; the Wright brothers took their first sustained flight just eleven years before, in 1903. Aircraft were initially used primarily for reconnaissance missions. During the First Battle of the Marne, information passed from pilots allowed the allies to exploit weak spots in the German lines, helping the Allies to push Germany out of France.

The first machine guns were successfully mounted on planes in June of 1912 in the United States, but were imperfect; if timed incorrectly, a bullet could easily destroy the propeller of the plane it came from. The Morane-Saulnier L, a French plane, provided a solution: The propeller was armored with deflector wedges that prevented bullets from hitting it. The Morane-Saulnier Type L was used by the French, the British Royal Flying Corps (part of the Army), the British Royal Navy Air Service and the Imperial Russian Air Service. The British Bristol Type 22 was another popular model used for both reconnaissance work and as a fighter plane.

Dutch inventor Anthony Fokker improved upon the French deflector system in 1915. His “interrupter” synchronized the firing of the guns with the plane’s propeller to avoid collisions. Though his most popular plane during WWI was the single-seat Fokker Eindecker, Fokker created over 40 kinds of airplanes for the Germans.

The Allies debuted the Handley-Page HP O/400, the first two-engine bomber, in 1915. As aerial technology progressed, long-range heavy bombers like Germany’s Gotha G.V. (first introduced in 1917) were used to strike cities like London. Their speed and maneuverability proved to be far deadlier than Germany’s earlier Zeppelin raids.

By the war’s end, the Allies were producing five times more aircraft than the Germans. On April 1, 1918, the British created the Royal Air Force, or RAF, the first air force to be a separate military branch independent from the navy or army. 

Second Battle of the Marne

With Germany able to build up its strength on the Western Front after the armistice with Russia, Allied troops struggled to hold off another German offensive until promised reinforcements from the United States were able to arrive.

On July 15, 1918, German troops launched what would become the last German offensive of the war, attacking French forces (joined by 85,000 American troops as well as some of the British Expeditionary Force) in the Second Battle of the Marne . The Allies successfully pushed back the German offensive and launched their own counteroffensive just three days later.

After suffering massive casualties, Germany was forced to call off a planned offensive further north, in the Flanders region stretching between France and Belgium, which was envisioned as Germany’s best hope of victory.

The Second Battle of the Marne turned the tide of war decisively towards the Allies, who were able to regain much of France and Belgium in the months that followed.

The Harlem Hellfighters and Other All-Black Regiments

By the time World War I began, there were four all-Black regiments in the U.S. military: the 24th and 25th Infantry and the 9th and 10th Cavalry. All four regiments comprised of celebrated soldiers who fought in the Spanish-American War and American-Indian Wars , and served in the American territories. But they were not deployed for overseas combat in World War I. 

Blacks serving alongside white soldiers on the front lines in Europe was inconceivable to the U.S. military. Instead, the first African American troops sent overseas served in segregated labor battalions, restricted to menial roles in the Army and Navy, and shutout of the Marines, entirely. Their duties mostly included unloading ships, transporting materials from train depots, bases and ports, digging trenches, cooking and maintenance, removing barbed wire and inoperable equipment, and burying soldiers.

Facing criticism from the Black community and civil rights organizations for its quotas and treatment of African American soldiers in the war effort, the military formed two Black combat units in 1917, the 92nd and 93rd Divisions . Trained separately and inadequately in the United States, the divisions fared differently in the war. The 92nd faced criticism for their performance in the Meuse-Argonne campaign in September 1918. The 93rd Division, however, had more success. 

How World War I Changed Literature

World War I altered the world for decades, and writers and poets reflected that shift in literature, novels and poetry.

Was Germany Doomed in World War I by the Schlieffen Plan?

The Schlieffen Plan, devised a decade before the start of World War I, was a failed strategy for Germany to win World War I.

A Harlem Hellfighter’s Searing Tales from the WWI Trenches

Blue clouds of poisonous gas. Relentless shelling and machine gun fire. Horace Pippin's art‑filled journals recorded life in ‘them lonely, cooty, muddy trenches.'

With dwindling armies, France asked America for reinforcements, and General John Pershing , commander of the American Expeditionary Forces, sent regiments in the 93 Division to over, since France had experience fighting alongside Black soldiers from their Senegalese French Colonial army. The 93 Division’s 369 regiment, nicknamed the Harlem Hellfighters , fought so gallantly, with a total of 191 days on the front lines, longer than any AEF regiment, that France awarded them the Croix de Guerre for their heroism. More than 350,000 African American soldiers would serve in World War I in various capacities.

Toward Armistice

By the fall of 1918, the Central Powers were unraveling on all fronts.

Despite the Turkish victory at Gallipoli, later defeats by invading forces and an Arab revolt that destroyed the Ottoman economy and devastated its land, and the Turks signed a treaty with the Allies in late October 1918.

Austria-Hungary, dissolving from within due to growing nationalist movements among its diverse population, reached an armistice on November 4. Facing dwindling resources on the battlefield, discontent on the homefront and the surrender of its allies, Germany was finally forced to seek an armistice on November 11, 1918, ending World War I.

Treaty of Versailles

At the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, Allied leaders stated their desire to build a post-war world that would safeguard itself against future conflicts of such a devastating scale.

Some hopeful participants had even begun calling World War I “the War to End All Wars.” But the Treaty of Versailles , signed on June 28, 1919, would not achieve that lofty goal.

Saddled with war guilt, heavy reparations and denied entrance into the League of Nations , Germany felt tricked into signing the treaty, having believed any peace would be a “peace without victory,” as put forward by President Wilson in his famous Fourteen Points speech of January 1918.

As the years passed, hatred of the Versailles treaty and its authors settled into a smoldering resentment in Germany that would, two decades later, be counted among the causes of World War II .

World War I Casualties

World War I took the lives of more than 9 million soldiers; 21 million more were wounded. Civilian casualties numbered close to 10 million. The two nations most affected were Germany and France, each of which sent some 80 percent of their male populations between the ages of 15 and 49 into battle.

The political disruption surrounding World War I also contributed to the fall of four venerable imperial dynasties: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia and Turkey.

Legacy of World War I

World War I brought about massive social upheaval, as millions of women entered the workforce to replace men who went to war and those who never came back. The first global war also helped to spread one of the world’s deadliest global pandemics, the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918, which killed an estimated 20 to 50 million people.

World War I has also been referred to as “the first modern war.” Many of the technologies now associated with military conflict—machine guns, tanks , aerial combat and radio communications—were introduced on a massive scale during World War I.

The severe effects that chemical weapons such as mustard gas and phosgene had on soldiers and civilians during World War I galvanized public and military attitudes against their continued use. The Geneva Convention agreements, signed in 1925, restricted the use of chemical and biological agents in warfare and remain in effect today.

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World War I

World war i topics.

An introduction to World War I

The major players Germany Great Britain France Russia Austria-Hungary United States Ottoman Empire Serbia

Causes of war Kaiser Wilhelm II Nationalism Imperialism Militarism Alliances The Balkans Assassination in Sarajevo The July crisis

War erupts Schlieffen Plan Western Front The Eastern Front The Gallipoli campaign The Italian front A true world war

Waging war Trench warfare The weapons of war Chemical weapons War at sea and in the air Total war Opposition to the war War poets

Towards an end The Russian Revolution America enters the war The German surrender The Treaty of Versailles A new Europe The human cost

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The First World War’s Long- and Short-Term Causes Essay

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The First World War remains one of the most devastating historical events ever experienced. Numerous conflicts witnessed in Europe towards the end of the 19th century and the start of the 20th formed the basis for resentment, hate, and the arms race that led to the Great War. Still, the war had no single cause but emerged due to a combination of numerous long- and short-term factors. Notably, the formation of alliances and imperialism were the long-term causes, while the death of Archduke Ferdinand and Serbia’s failure to honor the ten-point ultimatum were the immediate causes of WW1.

Undoubtedly, the build-up towards the First World War started early in the mid-19th century due to imperialism. The industrialized European powers were competing for colonies across the world, especially in Asia and Africa ( World War I , n.d.). Apart from viewing imperialism as an economic venture, most Europeans perceived that their military, culture, and race were superior and should influence the entire world. As more European powers realized the financial advantage and prestige that came with colonies, the idea became more competitive to the extent of nations clashing and almost starting war.

Britain and France acquired the most significant share, which angered other European countries ( World War I , n.d.). As a result, rivalries emerged, but Britain and France perceived their vast colonies as confirmation of being influential states in Europe.

Imperialism created hostility and paved the way for the formation of alliances. After the Franco-Prussian war of 1871, the German states united while defeated France remained disgruntled after losing part of its territory, Loraine and Alsace ( World War I , n.d.).

To cushion herself from future war with Germany and Austria-Hungary, France allied with Russia. Britain also sought an alliance with France after realizing it was friendless following the Second Boer War in South Africa between 1899 and 1902. Russia also allied itself with Serbia in the Balkan region. Due to Russia’s large population, Germany and Austria-Hungary saw it as a potential threat and decided to form an alliance ( World War I , n.d.). Thus, two antagonistic groups were formed; Triple Entente comprising France, Russia, and Britain, while Triple Alliance consisted of Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Italy.

At the same time, the Ottoman Empire was disintegrating with different ethnic groups seeking independence. Rising nationalism led to various wars in the Balkan region, with the Second Balkan War of 1912-1913 promoting Serbia to increase its size ( World War I , n.d.). Austria-Hungary had equally gained territory from the Ottoman Empire, including Bosnia Herzegovina, inhabited mainly by South Slavic people. Serbia wanted to unite all the Serbs in the Balkan region, but Austria-Hungary was not ready to surrender Bosnia Herzegovina. The Serbs in Austria-Hungary were also pushing to break away and join Serbia.

At the height of nationalism, one young Serbian nationalist, Gavrilo Princip, shot dead Austria-Hungarian heir Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophia while visiting Bosnia. The tension between Serbia and her allies and Austria-Hungary and her friends heightened ( World War I , n.d.). Austria-Hungary gave Serbia a ten-point ultimatum, which Serbia honored only nine points. Russia promised Serbia support in case Austria-Hungary, which Germany had pledged reinforcement, attacked. On July 14, 1914, World War One officially started and continued for the next four years before ending in 1918.

Overall, the First World War started due to various factors. However, historians agree that among the long-term causes were imperialism and the formation of alliances. Triple Entente became the Allied Powers while the Triple alliance was Central Powers during the war. However, the most immediate causes of the war were the killing of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife. Moreover, Serbia’s failure to honor Austria-Hungary’s ten-point ultimatum escalated the conflict.

World War I . (n.d.). HistoryNet. Web.

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Home — Essay Samples — War — Effects of War — Unraveling the Complexity of World War I: A Historical Analysis

Unraveling The Complexity of World War I: a Historical Analysis

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• Forces and resources of the combatant nations in 1914
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• The Schlieffen Plan
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• The German invasion
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• The war in the east, 1914
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• The Western Front, 1916
• The Battle of Jutland
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• Peace moves and U.S. policy to February 1917
• The Western Front, January–May 1917
• The U.S. entry into the war
• The Russian revolutions and the Eastern Front, March 1917–March 1918
• Greek affairs
• Mesopotamia, summer 1916–winter 1917
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• The Western Front, June–December 1917
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• Table Of Contents

What was the main cause of World War I?

World War I began after the assassination of Austrian archduke Franz Ferdinand by South Slav nationalist Gavrilo Princip on June 28, 1914.

What countries fought in World War I?

The war pitted the Central Powers (mainly Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Turkey) against the Allies (mainly France, Great Britain, Russia, Italy, Japan, and, from 1917, the United States).

The Allies won World War I after four years of combat and the deaths of some 8.5 million soldiers as a result of battle wounds or disease.

Some 8,500,000 soldiers died as a result of wounds or disease during World War I. Perhaps as many as 13,000,000 civilians also died. This immensely large number of deaths dwarfed that of any previous war, largely because of the new technologies and styles of warfare used in World War I.

Four imperial dynasties—the Habsburgs of Austria-Hungary, the Hohenzollerns of Germany, the sultanate of the Ottoman Empire , and the Romanovs of Russia—collapsed as a direct result of the war, and the map of Europe was changed forever. The United States emerged as a world power, and new technology made warfare deadlier than ever before.

Recent News

World War I , an international conflict that in 1914–18 embroiled most of the nations of Europe along with Russia , the United States , the Middle East , and other regions. The war pitted the Central Powers —mainly Germany , Austria-Hungary , and Turkey —against the Allies—mainly France , Great Britain , Russia, Italy , Japan , and, from 1917, the United States . It ended with the defeat of the Central Powers. The war was virtually unprecedented in the slaughter, carnage, and destruction it caused.

World War I was one of the great watersheds of 20th-century geopolitical history. It led to the fall of four great imperial dynasties (in Germany , Russia , Austria-Hungary, and Turkey ), resulted in the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, and, in its destabilization of European society, laid the groundwork for World War II .

The last surviving veterans of World War I were American serviceman Frank Buckles (died in February 2011), British-born Australian serviceman Claude Choules (died in May 2011), and British servicewoman Florence Green (died in February 2012), the last surviving veteran of the war.

The outbreak of war

With Serbia already much aggrandized by the two Balkan Wars (1912–13, 1913), Serbian nationalists turned their attention back to the idea of “liberating” the South Slavs of Austria-Hungary . Colonel Dragutin Dimitrijević , head of Serbia’s military intelligence , was also, under the alias “Apis,” head of the secret society Union or Death , pledged to the pursuit of this pan-Serbian ambition. Believing that the Serbs’ cause would be served by the death of the Austrian archduke Franz Ferdinand , heir presumptive to the Austrian emperor Franz Joseph , and learning that the Archduke was about to visit Bosnia on a tour of military inspection, Apis plotted his assassination . Nikola Pašić , the Serbian prime minister and an enemy of Apis, heard of the plot and warned the Austrian government of it, but his message was too cautiously worded to be understood.

At 11:15 am on June 28, 1914, in the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo , Franz Ferdinand and his morganatic wife, Sophie, duchess of Hohenberg, were shot dead by a Bosnian Serb, Gavrilo Princip . The chief of the Austro-Hungarian general staff , Franz, Graf (count) Conrad von Hötzendorf , and the foreign minister, Leopold, Graf von Berchtold , saw the crime as the occasion for measures to humiliate Serbia and so to enhance Austria-Hungary’s prestige in the Balkans . Conrad had already (October 1913) been assured by William II of Germany ’s support if Austria-Hungary should start a preventive war against Serbia. This assurance was confirmed in the week following the assassination , before William, on July 6, set off upon his annual cruise to the North Cape , off Norway .

The Austrians decided to present an unacceptable ultimatum to Serbia and then to declare war, relying on Germany to deter Russia from intervention. Though the terms of the ultimatum were finally approved on July 19, its delivery was postponed to the evening of July 23, since by that time the French president, Raymond Poincaré , and his premier, René Viviani , who had set off on a state visit to Russia on July 15, would be on their way home and therefore unable to concert an immediate reaction with their Russian allies. When the delivery was announced, on July 24, Russia declared that Austria-Hungary must not be allowed to crush Serbia.

Serbia replied to the ultimatum on July 25, accepting most of its demands but protesting against two of them—namely, that Serbian officials (unnamed) should be dismissed at Austria-Hungary’s behest and that Austro-Hungarian officials should take part, on Serbian soil, in proceedings against organizations hostile to Austria-Hungary. Though Serbia offered to submit the issue to international arbitration, Austria-Hungary promptly severed diplomatic relations and ordered partial mobilization.

Home from his cruise on July 27, William learned on July 28 how Serbia had replied to the ultimatum. At once he instructed the German Foreign Office to tell Austria-Hungary that there was no longer any justification for war and that it should content itself with a temporary occupation of Belgrade . But, meanwhile, the German Foreign Office had been giving such encouragement to Berchtold that already on July 27 he had persuaded Franz Joseph to authorize war against Serbia. War was in fact declared on July 28, and Austro-Hungarian artillery began to bombard Belgrade the next day. Russia then ordered partial mobilization against Austria-Hungary, and on July 30, when Austria-Hungary was riposting conventionally with an order of mobilization on its Russian frontier, Russia ordered general mobilization. Germany, which since July 28 had still been hoping, in disregard of earlier warning hints from Great Britain, that Austria-Hungary’s war against Serbia could be “localized” to the Balkans, was now disillusioned insofar as eastern Europe was concerned. On July 31 Germany sent a 24-hour ultimatum requiring Russia to halt its mobilization and an 18-hour ultimatum requiring France to promise neutrality in the event of war between Russia and Germany.

Both Russia and France predictably ignored these demands. On August 1 Germany ordered general mobilization and declared war against Russia, and France likewise ordered general mobilization. The next day Germany sent troops into Luxembourg and demanded from Belgium free passage for German troops across its neutral territory. On August 3 Germany declared war against France.

In the night of August 3–4 German forces invaded Belgium. Thereupon, Great Britain , which had no concern with Serbia and no express obligation to fight either for Russia or for France but was expressly committed to defend Belgium, on August 4 declared war against Germany.

Austria-Hungary declared war against Russia on August 5; Serbia against Germany on August 6; Montenegro against Austria-Hungary on August 7 and against Germany on August 12; France and Great Britain against Austria-Hungary on August 10 and on August 12, respectively; Japan against Germany on August 23; Austria-Hungary against Japan on August 25 and against Belgium on August 28.

Romania had renewed its secret anti-Russian alliance of 1883 with the Central Powers on February 26, 1914, but now chose to remain neutral. Italy had confirmed the Triple Alliance on December 7, 1912, but could now propound formal arguments for disregarding it: first, Italy was not obliged to support its allies in a war of aggression; second, the original treaty of 1882 had stated expressly that the alliance was not against England .

On September 5, 1914, Russia, France, and Great Britain concluded the Treaty of London , each promising not to make a separate peace with the Central Powers. Thenceforth, they could be called the Allied , or Entente, powers, or simply the Allies .

The outbreak of war in August 1914 was generally greeted with confidence and jubilation by the peoples of Europe, among whom it inspired a wave of patriotic feeling and celebration. Few people imagined how long or how disastrous a war between the great nations of Europe could be, and most believed that their country’s side would be victorious within a matter of months. The war was welcomed either patriotically, as a defensive one imposed by national necessity, or idealistically, as one for upholding right against might, the sanctity of treaties, and international morality .

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WW1 Essay Writing

Subject: History

Age range: 11-14

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

Last updated

22 August 2024

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Topic: World War One

• Essay writing and peer review

Lesson 1 FREE - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-12727985

This SoW is designed in detail and is both differentiated and engaging, and allows you to move pupils through content efficiently. As a result, lessons can take around two periods to deliver and are sequenced to flow through this period of time comprehensively.

Made to the highest standard and constructed using current research, both dual coding and retrieval practices are at the heart of this unit. A colour scheme also runs throughout to ease both your delivery and students comprehension.

An outline of the SoW can be viewed below: World War One

• Nationalism
• The alliance system
• European imperialism
• Militarism and the arms race
• The assassination of Franz Ferdinand
• Causes of WWI - evaluating factors
• Fighting in the trenches
• Somme case study

Additional: Knowledge Organiser

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