World War I (1914–1918) – Detailed Class Notes
1. Introduction
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Overview:
- World War I, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict primarily
centered in Europe.
- It lasted from 1914 to 1918 and involved many of the world's great powers.
Significance:
- Marked the end of old empires and the beginning of modern warfare.
- Set the stage for major political changes and World War II.
2. Causes of World War I
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Militarism:
- European powers built up massive armies and navies.
- Arms race created tension and readiness for war.
Alliances:
- Complex web of alliances divided Europe:
- Triple Entente: France, Russia, Britain
- Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
Imperialism:
- Competition for colonies and global dominance intensified rivalries.
Nationalism:
- Ethnic groups sought independence; nations pursued aggressive policies.
Assassination:
- Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary assassinated in Sarajevo (June 28,
1914).
- Triggered a chain reaction of war declarations.
3. Major Events
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Key Battles:
- Battle of the Marne (1914): Halted German advance into France.
- Battle of Verdun (1916): Longest battle, heavy casualties.
- Battle of the Somme (1916): One of the bloodiest battles.
Trench Warfare:
- Dominant strategy on the Western Front.
- Soldiers faced harsh conditions, stalemates, and deadly attacks.
New Weapons:
- Machine guns, tanks, poison gas, airplanes, submarines.
- Changed the nature of combat and increased lethality.
Global Involvement:
- Colonies provided troops and resources.
- Japan, the Ottoman Empire, and the United States joined the war.
4. Key Figures
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- Kaiser Wilhelm II (Germany): Aggressive foreign policy.
- Woodrow Wilson (USA): Advocated for peace and League of Nations.
- Georges Clemenceau (France): Demanded harsh penalties for Germany.
- David Lloyd George (Britain): Balanced peace and punishment.
- Tsar Nicholas II (Russia): Overthrown during the war.
- General John J. Pershing (USA): Led American Expeditionary Forces.
5. Impact of World War I
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Human Cost:
- Over 16 million deaths and 21 million wounded.
- Civilian suffering and displacement.
Political Changes:
- Collapse of empires: Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, Russian, German.
- Rise of new nations and ideologies (e.g., communism in Russia).
Treaty of Versailles (1919):
- Blamed Germany for the war; imposed reparations and territorial losses.
- Created resentment and economic hardship in Germany.
League of Nations:
- Formed to prevent future conflicts.
- Lacked enforcement power; USA did not join.
6. Timeline Table
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Year | Event | Significance
--------|---------------------------------------|-----------------------------
1914 | Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand | Sparked war declarations
1914 | Battle of the Marne | Stopped German advance
1915 | Gallipoli Campaign | Failed Allied attempt to control
Dardanelles
1916 | Battles of Verdun and Somme | Massive casualties, stalemate
1917 | US enters war | Boosted Allied strength
1917 | Russian Revolution | Russia exits war
1918 | Armistice signed (Nov 11) | End of fighting
1919 | Treaty of Versailles | Redrew map, punished Germany
7. Conclusion
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Legacy:
- World War I reshaped the global order and introduced modern warfare.
- Its unresolved issues led to World War II.
- Lessons include the dangers of nationalism, militarism, and punitive peace.
