World War I

World War I

          World War I, one of the most violent human conflicts, was fought between the Allies consisting of France, Russia and Great Britain the at backed Serbia, and the Central Powers consisting of Austria-Hungary and Germany. Later twenty other nations such as the United States, China, Italy and Japan joined the Allies and Bulgaria and Ottoman Empire jointed the Central Powers.

        The war was a result of a longtime hostility and tension throughout the European territories. Excessive nationalism developing among the Europeans made them to highly aggressive to their enemies. They made strong and rapid military build-ups, all 'for the glory and greatness of their nations.' For instance, Germany alone had 4.2 million soldiers in 1914. Besides their military build-ups at home, they made military alliances shaping hostility between each other. There was also cutthroat competition among the powerful nations for colonies mainly in Asia and Africa. The falling Ottoman Empire also provided for their races for territorial expansions. Austria-Hungary took over Bosnia Herzegovina from Serbia after the Second Balkan War of 1913.

        One June 28, 1914 Austro-Hungarian heir Archduke Ferdinand, was shot dead in the Bosnian capitates of Sarajevo by Vavrilo Principle, a member of Black Hand Society instituted for Serbian unity. The victim's nation blamed Serbia for the assassination  and declared was on it. Russia started to fight Austria-Hungary, so Germany declared war on Russia and France German entry into Belgium also pulled Britain against   the Central Powers. The war was fought in four major areas in and around Europe. Trenches  were dug from North Sea to Swiss Alps in the western front where German troops fought heavily against the French and British in the beginning and finally against the American troops, too. The eastern front remained a site of Russo-German battles. There were also heavy battles in the Balkans and the Middle East.

        The war was fought awfully with deadly inventions. Use of machine guns, long-range artilleries, grenades, aero planes, armored tanks, submarines and poisonous gas caused  horrendous  casualties. Armies fought in dreadful conditions as that of muddy trenches against the barbed wire fence, advancing little through the no-man's land and retreating. Even the civilian population was not protected. The warring nations would make every possible effort for victory. Youths were massively recruited. As soldiers were killed and injured, more older and younger men had to be sent. Uniforms and arms had to be manufactured. Land was cultivated 'for victory' .    

        Germany had won many battles in European battlefronts by 1916. In 1917 Russian armies deserted the battlefields due to a revolution in their land. The United States joined the Allies in 1917 when German submarines began to sink the farmer's unarmed ships. With abundant support from the new partner, the Allies made the Central Powers surrender in autumn 1918. The war was officially ended by an armistice  signed in France on November 11. Germany withdrew immediately from all occupied territories and surrendered all major weapons. Later on the 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed with a proposal to institute the League of nations, the first international organization.       

      World War I was the first war of its kind. It caused appalling  loss of life and property. About 10 million solders were killed and 20 million people were  wounded. It lift millions of refugees.  Death of many soldiers caused dramatic low population growth and lack of manpower in the subsequent years. An estimated figure of 337 billion US $ was spent in the war. Borrowing and extra money printing brought  inflection.  The war changed the geopolitics of the world fever. New countries were formed and system of many government were killed and 20 million  people were wounded. It left millions of refugees. Death of many solders caused dramatic low population growth and lack of manpower in the subsequent years. An estimated figure of 337 billion US $ was spent in the wary. Borrowing and extra money printing brought inflection.  The war changed the geopolitics of the world forever. New counties were formed and systems of many governments were changed. Communists rose to power as in Russia. Women's activation forced by the war ultimately gained for the suffrage and other political rights in many countries.