WORLD WAR I (1914-1918)

World War I, also known as the Great War, began in 1914 and ended in 1918. Here’s a brief overview of its origins and resolutions:

How World War I Started:

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1. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand:

   - The immediate trigger for World War I was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary and his wife, Sophie, on June 28, 1914, by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist, in Sarajevo.

2. Alliance System:

   - Europe was divided into two main alliance systems: the Triple Entente (comprising France, Russia, and the United Kingdom) and the Triple Alliance (comprising Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy). These alliances meant that a conflict involving one country could quickly involve others.

3. Militarism and Arms Race:

   - The major powers had been building up their military capabilities and stockpiling weapons. This arms race contributed to a sense of inevitable conflict and made mobilization for war faster.

4. Nationalism:

   - Nationalist sentiments were strong across Europe, leading to a desire for greater power and influence. This was particularly evident in the Balkans, where Slavic groups sought independence from Austria-Hungary.

5. Imperial Rivalries:

   - Competition for colonies and global dominance created tensions among European powers, particularly between Britain and Germany.

6. July Crisis:

   - Following the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia, which led to the July Crisis. Diplomatic efforts failed, and Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914.

   - Russia mobilized to support Serbia, leading Germany to declare war on Russia on August 1, 1914. Germany then declared war on France on August 3, 1914, and invaded Belgium, bringing the United Kingdom into the war on August 4, 1914.

Resolutions of World War I:

1. Armistice and End of Fighting:

   - An armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, ending the fighting on the Western Front. This day is now commemorated as Armistice Day or Veterans Day.

2. Treaty of Versailles:

   - The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. It imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany. Key points included:

     - Germany had to accept full responsibility for the war (the "war guilt" clause).

     - German military forces were severely restricted.

     - The League of Nations was established to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts.

3. Other Treaties:

   - Separate treaties were signed with other Central Powers:

     - Treaty of Saint-Germain with Austria (1919).

     - Treaty of Trianon with Hungary (1920).

     - Treaty of Neuilly with Bulgaria (1919).

     - Treaty of Sèvres with the Ottoman Empire (1920), later revised by the Treaty of Lausanne (1923).

4.  Redrawing of Borders:

   - The map of Europe was redrawn, with new countries emerging from the former empires of Austria-Hungary, Russia, and the Ottoman Empire. Notable new states included Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia.

5. Reparations and Economic Consequences:

   - The economic burden of reparations, particularly on Germany, contributed to significant economic hardship and political instability, setting the stage for future conflicts.

6. Legacy:

   - The war left deep scars on the European landscape and psyche, leading to changes in social, political, and economic structures. The unresolved issues and harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles are often cited as factors leading to World War II.