World War I: Events, Causes, and Impact

 

               

World War I: Events, Causes, and Impact

 

Events Leading Up to World War I

1. The Arms Race (Late 1800s–1914)

• European countries, especially Britain and Germany, competed to build bigger armies and navies.
• This made countries suspicious of each other and more prepared for war.

2. The Alliance System

• Countries made secret and public agreements to protect one another.
• Two major alliances formed:

• Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
• Triple Entente: Britain, France, Russia

3. Tensions in the Balkans

• The Balkans (southeastern Europe) was a region full of small countries fighting for independence.
• Austria-Hungary and Russia both wanted to control this area.

4. The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (28 June 1914)

• Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne was shot in Sarajevo by a Serbian nationalist, Gavrilo Princip.
• This event triggered a chain reaction of alliances being activated.

 

The Archduke, Franz Ferdinand, and his Wife

Main Causes of World War I

(Use the acronym M.A.I.N. to remember them)

1. Militarism

• Countries were building up their armed forces.
• Many believed war was a good way to solve problems.

2. Alliances

• Alliances meant that a small conflict could drag many countries into war.

3. Imperialism

• European countries competed for colonies and global power, especially in Africa and Asia.

4. Nationalism

• Pride in one’s country led to aggressive attitudes.
• Some ethnic groups (e.g., Serbs) wanted independence from bigger empires.

 

The Spark that Lit the Fire

After the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia.

• Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.
• Russia (Serbia’s ally) prepared to fight.
• Germany (Austria-Hungary’s ally) declared war on Russia.
• France and Britain got involved to support their allies.

By August 1914, World War I had officially begun.

 

Impact of World War I

1. Huge Loss of Life

• Over 15 million people died (soldiers and civilians).
• Millions more were injured or disabled.

2. Economic Damage

• European economies were destroyed.
• Cities and farmland were ruined, especially in France and Belgium.

3. New Weapons and Warfare

• First use of tanks, poison gas, machine guns, and trench warfare.
• Made war more deadly and destructive.

4. Collapse of Empires

• The Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, Russian, and German empires all fell.
• New countries like Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia were created.

5. The Treaty of Versailles (1919)

• Germany was blamed and punished, losing land, paying reparations, and having a weakened army.

• This treaty caused anger in Germany and later helped lead to World War II.

6. The League of Nations

• An international group was formed to keep the peace.
• Sadly, it was weak and failed to stop future wars.

Related Videos:

1. Main Causes of WWI

2. The Origin of WWI

3. The Impact of WWI

Quick Summary

1. WWI didn’t start overnight – it built up through military build-up, political alliances, and growing tensions.
2. The assassination of Franz Ferdinand triggered the war.
3. The war changed the world – millions died, empires fell, and new nations emerged.
4. The Treaty of Versailles tried to stop future wars, but it caused more tension.

 

Note:

Hey Guys, let me know your thoughts on this topic by leaving your comments in the comments section.

Remember, this is an additional study material you learnt in class. Do not take it lightly.