Causes of World War I

The primary catalyst for World War I was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914. This event set off a chain reaction of alliances and declarations of war that quickly engulfed Europe and beyond.

The assassination was carried out by Serbian nationalists who sought to liberate Slavic peoples from Austro-Hungarian rule. Austria-Hungary, with German support, issued an ultimatum to Serbia following the assassination. When Serbia did not fully comply, Austria-Hungary declared war, triggering a cascade of alliances.

Vocabulary: Ultimatum - A final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a breakdown in relations.

Key events leading to war:

• July 28, 1914: Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
• August 1, 1914: Germany declares war on Russia
• August 3, 1914: Germany declares war on France and invades Luxembourg
• August 4, 1914: Germany invades Belgium, prompting Britain to declare war on Germany

Quote: "The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime." - British Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey, August 1914

The Allied Powers in World War I

The Allied Powers, also known as the Entente Powers, were the coalition of nations that fought against the Central Powers in World War I. The main Allied Powers included:

1. France
2. Russia (until 1917)
3. United Kingdom
4. United States (from 1917)
5. Italy (from 1915)
6. Japan
7. Belgium
8. Serbia
9. Romania
10. Greece
11. Montenegro

Key facts about the Allied Powers:

• Approximately 42 million Allied personnel were mobilized during the war.
• Over 5 million Allied troops died, with Russia and France suffering the highest casualties.
• An estimated 12 million Allied troops were wounded in combat.

Vocabulary: Mobilization - The act of assembling and preparing troops and supplies for war.

Focus on the United Kingdom:

• Leader(s): King George V, H.H. Asquith, David Lloyd George
• Population: Approximately 46 million (including Ireland, excluding the Empire)
• Active Personnel: 247,500 full-time troops, 414,000 reserves at the start of the war

Highlight: The United Kingdom played a crucial role in World War I, contributing significantly to the Allied victory through its powerful navy, extensive empire, and industrial might.

The Allied Powers formed a formidable coalition that ultimately prevailed in the war, but at an enormous cost in lives and resources. Their victory reshaped the global balance of power and set the stage for the geopolitical landscape of the 20th century.

Overview of World War I

World War I was a devastating global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. The war began in Europe but eventually involved countries around the world, leading to massive loss of life and far-reaching consequences.

Key points:

• Sparked by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in 1914
• Involved the Allied Powers (Britain, France, Russia, Italy, US) vs. the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire)
• Resulted in over 9 million military deaths and reshaped the geopolitical landscape
• Led to the collapse of four empires: German, Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman and Russian
• Ended with the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which imposed harsh terms on Germany

Highlight: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip on June 28, 1914 is considered the immediate trigger for World War I.