Acknowledgement – I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who helped me complete
this project successfully. First and foremost, I would like to thank my Principal, Fr. Fuldeo Soreng, for
giving me this opportunity and time to take up this project.
I would also like to extend my thanks to our History teacher, Mrs. Angela C Kachhapp, for their constant
guidance and encouragement throughout the process required for the success of the project.
Finally, I would like to thank my family and friends who motivated me and boosted my morale when I
was stressed and gave me invaluable help and support.
Introduction - World War I, also known as the First World War or the Great War, was a global conflict
that spanned from 1914 to 1918, involving most major European powers and beyond. It pitted the Allied
powers (France, Russia, Great Britain, later Italy and the United States) against the Central Powers
(Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire).
Causes –
Alsace-Lorraine -> France wanted this territory from the Germans, who had taken it in the
Franco-Prussian war in 1871.
Germany wanted to rule the whole world and become the major global power.
Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire joined in an alliance on October 29th, 1914. But the
people of Austria-Hungary, including Ukrainians, Romanians, Slovaks, Slovenians and Serbs, did
not support this alliance. Some even declared independence, such as Serbia (1878), Greece
(1821), Bulgaria (1908) and Romania (1878) (mostly using Russia’s help).
Immediate Cause – In Sarajevo (Austria-Hungary), the people (mainly Serbs and Bosnians) were
not content living in Austria-Hungary. The Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand decides
to go and meet local religious and politic leaders. On the way, there was an attempt to
assassinate him by throwing a bomb at his car, but he missed it and escaped. But he then again
goes to meet his injured officers in the hospitals, and by chance he comes across one of the
failed assassins, who shoots him (Location-Latin Bridge).
Austria-Hungary thinks Serbia has something to do with the assassinations (which they might
have), and so they ask Germany if they would back them up in case of a war, to which they
agree. Then Austria-Hungary sends a list of impossible demands to Serbia, which they
(obviously) refuse, and then Austria-Hungary declares war on them.
The Allied Powers and the Central Powers –
The Allied Powers consisted of France, Great Britain, Russia, United States, Italy and Japan.
The Central Powers consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire.
Allied Powers (World War I):
Primary Members: France, Great Britain, Russia.
Later Joined: Italy, Japan, United States (after 1917).
Geographical Spread: Countries from Western, Eastern, and some parts of Southern Europe,
as well as the United States and Japan.
Notable Accomplishments: The Allied Powers ultimately defeated the Central Powers and
won World War I.
Central Powers (World War I):
Primary Members: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire.
Later Joined: Bulgaria (in October 1915).
Geographical Location: Located in the center of Europe.
Notable Accomplishments: The Central Powers ultimately lost the war to the Allied Powers.
Composition:
The Allied Powers were a more diverse group of nations, including some from outside
Europe, while the Central Powers were primarily European countries.
Geographic Location:
The Central Powers were geographically centered in Europe, while the Allied Powers were
more spread out.
Outcome:
The Allied Powers emerged victorious, while the Central Powers were defeated in World
War I.
The Battles in the War –
The Battle of Verdun, fought from February 21 to December 18, 1916, was one of the longest
and most brutal battles of World War I. It involved intense fighting between French and German
forces on the Western Front, primarily on the hills north of the town of Verdun.
The Battle of the Somme, a significant First World War battle, took place from July 1st to
November 18th, 1916, in northern France. It involved the British and French armies against the
German Empire. The battle was fought on both sides of the Somme River and resulted in
immense casualties, with over 1.5 million deaths, injuries, or disappearances, making it one of
the deadliest battles of WWI, especially from the British perspective.
The Battle of Jutland was a major naval engagement between the British Grand Fleet and the
German High Seas Fleet during World War I, fought on May 31 and June 1, 1916, in the
Skagerrak, an arm of the North Sea. While the battle resulted in heavier British losses in terms of
ships sunk, the strategic outcome favored Britain as their fleet remained operational,
maintaining control of the North Sea.
The Brusilov Offensive, launched in June 1916 by General Aleksei Brusilov, was a major Russian
offensive on the Eastern Front during World War I. It's considered one of the deadliest
offensives in history and a significant Russian victory.
Lands taken –
During World War I, Alsace-Lorraine, a region in eastern France, was a focal point of conflict
and a symbol of the war's complex history. The territory, previously ceded to Germany after
the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, became a key area of contention, sparking French
resentment and influencing the war's trajectory.
During World War I, Petrograd (formerly St. Petersburg, and later Leningrad) became the
capital of Russia and played a crucial role in the war effort and the subsequent revolution.
The city experienced growing domestic tensions, including food shortages, political
instability, and the rise of revolutionary sentiment. These issues, exacerbated by the war,
ultimately led to the February Revolution in 1917, which resulted in the abdication of Tsar
Nicholas II and the establishment of a Provisional Government.
The Machines used –
The HMS Dreadnought, a British battleship, and the ships of its class, played a significant role in
the naval arms race leading up to World War I, but they were largely overshadowed by other
actions during the war. While initially a revolutionary design, the Dreadnought and its
successors, the superdreadnoughts, were eventually outclassed by more powerful vessels. HMS
Dreadnought's only notable engagement of the war was the ramming and sinking of the German
submarine U-29 in March 1915.
The sinking of the RMS Lusitania during World War I on May 7, 1915, was a significant event that
had a profound impact on the war, particularly on American public opinion and eventual entry
into the conflict. The British passenger liner was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat,
resulting in the loss of over 1,200 lives, including 128 Americans. This incident sparked
international outrage and helped turn American opinion against Germany, ultimately
contributing to the United States' entry into the war in 1917.
Mark IV:
Entered service in 1917 and was used extensively at the Battle of Messines Ridge and the Battle
of Cambrai.
Improved armor and a more reliable drivetrain compared to the Mark I.
Turrets could be swung inside for transportation by train.
A total of 1,220 were built, including "Male" and "Female" variants, as well as "Tank Tenders".
Other British tanks:
Mark I: The first British tank, used in limited numbers at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette.
Whippet: A faster, lighter tank designed to exploit breaches in enemy lines, but only with
machine gun armament.
Mark V: A more powerful and mobile tank that saw action at the Battle of Hamel and the Battle
of Amiens.
"Little Willie": A prototype tank that tested early design concepts, says The Tank Museum.
During World War I, some civilian merchant ships were equipped with anti-submarine weapons,
particularly "Q-ships" (also known as Q-boats, decoy vessels, or special service ships), which
were merchant ships disguised as ordinary vessels but secretly carrying weaponry. These ships
were used to lure surfaced submarines into attacking them, allowing the Q-ships to open fire
and sink the submarines.
Use of Chemicals in Warfare –
Chemical warfare during World War I involved the use of poisonous gases and other toxic
chemicals to inflict suffering and casualties on the enemy. Both sides of the conflict deployed
various agents like chlorine, phosgene, and mustard gas, leading to devastating consequences.
These chemicals, often delivered in artillery shells or grenades, caused a wide range of injuries,
from blindness and burns to respiratory failure. The first large-scale use of chemical weapons
occurred on April 22, 1915, during the Second Battle of Ypres, where the Germans released
chlorine gas.
Types of Chemical Weapons Used:
Chlorine Gas:
A choking agent that caused severe lung damage, leading to suffocation and death.
Phosgene:
Similar to chlorine, but more potent and delayed in its effects, causing lung damage that could
lead to death days later.
Mustard Gas:
A blister agent that caused painful burns on the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
Consequences of Chemical Warfare:
Casualties:
Chemical weapons resulted in nearly 100,000 deaths and millions of injuries during World War I.
Psychological Impact:
The use of chemical weapons had a devastating psychological impact on soldiers, causing fear,
panic, and long-term mental health issues.
Development of Countermeasures:
The use of chemical weapons spurred the development of gas masks and protective gear.
International Agreements:
Strasbourg Agreement (1675):
The first international agreement limiting the use of chemical weapons, specifically prohibiting
the use of poison bullets.
Hague Convention (1899):
Declared an agreement to "abstain from the use of projectiles, the sole object of which is the
diffusion of asphyxiating or deleterious gases".
The War Plans and Tactics –
The Schlieffen Plan was a German war strategy devised in the early 1900s to prevent a two-front
war with France and Russia. It aimed to defeat France quickly through a large flanking maneuver
through Belgium, then shift forces to the Eastern Front to fight Russia. The plan was named after
its creator, Count Alfred von Schlieffen, the former chief of the German general staff.
Two-Front War Concern:
Germany feared being caught in a war on two fronts with France in the west and Russia in the
east.
Flanking Maneuver:
The plan involved a massive German force sweeping through Belgium to outflank the French
army and quickly capture Paris.
Swift Victory:
The goal was to quickly defeat France within a few weeks, allowing Germany to then turn its
attention to the East and Russia.
Defensive Line:
While a large force was deployed in the west, a smaller force was to defend the German-Russian
border.
Plan's Failure:
The plan ultimately failed due to several factors, including the unexpected resistance of the
French and British armies, the rapid mobilization of the Russian army, and Belgium's resistance.
Impact:
The failure of the Schlieffen Plan led to a prolonged war of attrition on the Western Front,
characterized by trench warfare and high casualties.
Trench warfare, a defining feature of World War I, involved combatants launching attacks and
defending from a network of permanent trenches. These trenches, often zigzagged for
protection, were strategically placed and dug deep into the ground. The area between opposing
trench lines, known as "no man's land," was a dangerous and exposed zone, making it difficult
for soldiers to cross.
Trench Systems:
A typical system consisted of multiple parallel trenches, often linked by communication trenches
for supplies, troops, and orders.
Barbed Wire:
Barbed wire was used extensively to protect trenches from enemy attacks, making it difficult to
cross "no man's land".
"No Man's Land":
The area between opposing trenches was a hazardous zone exposed to artillery fire, making it a
difficult and dangerous place for soldiers to traverse.
Defensive Advantage:
Trench warfare generally favored the defender, as the trenches provided protection from
enemy fire and artillery.
Stalemate and Attrition:
Trench warfare on the Western Front led to a prolonged stalemate, with both sides digging and
reinforcing their positions, resulting in high casualties.
Development of Trench Warfare:
Trench warfare emerged in late 1914 on the Western Front as both sides, particularly the
Germans and then the Allies, dug trenches and fortifications.
Conditions in the Trenches:
Soldiers in the trenches endured harsh conditions, including disease, mud, and limited
sanitation, which led to illnesses like trench foot, lice, typhus, and trench fever.
Impact of Trench Warfare:
Trench warfare became a symbol of the futility of the war, highlighting the stalemate and
attrition that characterized the conflict.
Trench Warfare:
Trenches, often dug deep and fortified with beams and sandbags, provided some protection
from enemy fire. They stretched for miles along the front lines, with "no man's land" in
between, which was heavily exposed to artillery fire. The trenches were a major factor in
prolonging the war, as advancing across them was incredibly difficult and deadly.
Artillery:
Artillery was a crucial weapon, causing immense casualties and consuming vast quantities of
explosives. Artillery barrages were often used to prepare the ground for infantry attacks,
although they were not always successful in clearing the enemy's defenses.
Chemical Warfare:
The use of chemical weapons, such as mustard gas, added another layer of horror to the war.
They were particularly effective in blinding, burning, and suffocating soldiers, making it difficult
to defend against them.
Tanks and Airplanes:
Tanks, introduced by the British in 1916, were used to break through enemy lines and advance
the front. Airplanes, initially used for reconnaissance, also played a role in aerial combat and
bombing missions.
Other Tactics:
Other tactics included tunnel warfare, where tunnels were dug under enemy positions to plant
explosives and create breaches in their defenses. Infantry were also trained in infiltration tactics,
where small groups of soldiers would try to slip through enemy lines to disrupt their defenses or
cause confusion.
Rulers –
On 11 October 1915, the Bulgarian army attacked Serbia after signing a treaty with Austria-
Hungary and Germany stating that Bulgaria would gain the territory it sought at the expense of
Serbia. While he was not an admirer of German Emperor Wilhelm II or Austrian Emperor Franz
Josef I—whom he described as "that idiot, that old dotard of a Francis Joseph".[15]—Ferdinand
wanted additional territorial gains after the humiliation of the Balkan Wars. This also entailed
forming an alliance with his former enemy, the Ottoman Empire. This ranging of his country with
the Central Powers made him a de facto supporter of Germany's war aims and was not well
received by the Allies. Edmund Gosse wrote:
“In this war, where the ranks of the enemy present to us so many formidable, sinister, and
shocking figures, there is one, and perhaps but one, which is purely ridiculous. If we had the
heart to relieve our strained feelings by laughter, it would be at the gross Coburg traitor, with
his bodyguard of assassins and his hidden coat-of-mail, his shaking hands and his painted face.
The world has never seen a meaner scoundrel, and we may almost bring ourselves to pity the
Kaiser, whom circumstances have forced to accept on equal terms a potentate so verminous.”
During the initial phase of World War I, the Tsardom of Bulgaria achieved several decisive
victories over its enemies and laid claim to the disputed territories of Macedonia after Serbia's
defeat. For the next two years, the Bulgarian army shifted its focus towards repelling Allied
advances from nearby Greece. They were also partially involved in the 1916 conquest of
neighboring Romania, now ruled by another Ferdinand I, who was also Ferdinand's first cousin
once removed.
To save the Bulgarian monarchy after multiple military setbacks in 1918, Tsar Ferdinand
abdicated in favour of his eldest son, who became Tsar Boris III on 3 October 1918.[16] Under
new leadership, Bulgaria surrendered to the Entente and, as a consequence, lost not only the
additional territory it had fought for in the major conflict, but also the territory it had won after
the Balkan Wars giving access to the Aegean Sea.[16]
Ferdinand I (Ferdinand Maximilian Karl Leopold Maria; 26 February 1861 – 10 September 1948)
was Prince of Bulgaria from 1887 to 1908 and Tsar of Bulgaria from 1908 until his abdication in
1918. Under his rule, Bulgaria entered the First World War on the side of the Central Powers in
1915.[1]
Franz Joseph I or Francis Joseph I (German: Franz Joseph Karl [fʁants ˈjoːzɛf ˈkaʁl]; Hungarian:
Ferenc József Károly [ˈfɛrɛnt͡s ˈjoːʒɛf ˈkaːroj]; 18 August 1830 – 21 November 1916) was Emperor
of Austria, King of Hungary, and the ruler of the other states of the Habsburg monarchy from
1848 until his death in 1916.[1] In the early part of his reign, his realms and territories were
referred to as the Austrian Empire, but were reconstituted as the dual monarchy of Austria-
Hungary in 1867. From 1 May 1850 to 24 August 1866, he was also president of the German
Confederation.
On 28 June 1914, Franz Joseph's nephew and heir presumptive Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and
his morganatic wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, were assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, a
Yugoslav nationalist of Serbian ethnicity,[40] during a visit to Sarajevo. Franz Joseph learned
about the assassination of Franz Ferdinand from his adjutant, cavalry General Eduard von Paar,
[41] who also wrote the emperor's reaction in his diary: "one has not to defy the Almighty. In
this manner a superior power has restored that order which I unfortunately was unable to
maintain."[41]
While the emperor was shaken, and interrupted his holiday to return to Vienna, he soon
resumed his vacation at his Kaiservilla at Bad Ischl. Initial decision-making during the "July Crisis"
fell to Count Leopold Berchtold, the Austrian foreign minister; Count Franz Conrad von
Hötzendorf, the chief of staff for the Austro-Hungarian army and the other ministers.[42] The
ultimate resolution of deliberations by the Austro-Hungarian government during the weeks
following the assassination of the Archduke was to give Serbia an ultimatum of itemized
demands with which it was virtually certain Serbia would be unable or unwilling to comply, thus
serving as a "legal basis for war".
A week after delivery of the Austro-Hungarian ultimatum to Serbia; on 28 July, war was
declared. Within weeks, the Germans, Russians, French and British had all entered the fray
which eventually became known as World War I. On 6 August, Franz Joseph signed the
declaration of war against Russia.
Vittorio Emanuele Orlando (Italian: [vitˈtɔːɾjo emanuˈɛːle oɾˈlando]; 19 May 1860 – 1 December
1952) was an Italian statesman, who served as the prime minister of Italy from October 1917 to
June 1919. Orlando is best known for representing Italy in the 1919 Paris Peace Conference with
his foreign minister Sidney Sonnino. He was also known as "Premier of Victory" for defeating the
Central Powers along with the Entente in World War I.[2] Italy entered into World War I in 1915
with the aim of completing national unity: for this reason, it is also considered the Fourth Italian
War of Independence,[3] in a historiographical perspective that identifies in the latter the
conclusion of the unification of Italy, whose military actions began during the revolutions of
1848 with the First Italian War of Independence.[4][5]
Thomas Woodrow Wilson (December 28, 1856 – February 3, 1924) was the 28th president of
the United States, serving from 1913 to 1921. He was the only Democrat to serve as president
during the Progressive Era when Republicans dominated the presidency and legislative
branches. As president, Wilson changed the nation's economic policies and led the United States
into World War I. He was the leading architect of the League of Nations, and his stance on
foreign policy came to be known as Wilsonianism.
David Lloyd George, 1st Earl Lloyd-George of Dwyfor[a] (17 January 1863 – 26 March 1945) was
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1916 to 1922. A Liberal Party politician from Wales,
he was known for leading the United Kingdom during the First World War, for social-reform
policies, for his role in the Paris Peace Conference, and for negotiating the establishment of the
Irish Free State.
David Lloyd George, 1st Earl Lloyd-George of Dwyfor[a] (17 January 1863 – 26 March 1945) was
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1916 to 1922. A Liberal Party politician from Wales,
he was known for leading the United Kingdom during the First World War, for social-reform
policies, for his role in the Paris Peace Conference, and for negotiating the establishment of the
Irish Free State.
Mehmed V Reşâd (Ottoman Turkish: محمد خامس, romanized: Meḥmed-i ḫâmis; Turkish: V.
Mehmed or Mehmed Reşad; 2 November 1844 – 3 July 1918) was the penultimate sultan of the
Ottoman Empire from 1909 to 1918. Mehmed V reigned as a constitutional monarch. He had
little influence over government affairs and the Ottoman constitution was held with little regard
by his ministries. The first half of his reign was marked by increasingly polarizing politics, and the
second half by war and domination of the Committee of Union and Progress and the Three
Pashas.
Vittorio Emanuele Orlando (Italian: [vitˈtɔːɾjo emanuˈɛːle oɾˈlando]; 19 May 1860 – 1 December
1952) was an Italian statesman, who served as the prime minister of Italy from October 1917 to
June 1919. Orlando is best known for representing Italy in the 1919 Paris Peace Conference with
his foreign minister Sidney Sonnino. He was also known as "Premier of Victory" for defeating the
Central Powers along with the Entente in World War I.[2] Italy entered into World War I in 1915
with the aim of completing national unity: for this reason, it is also considered the Fourth Italian
War of Independence,[3] in a historiographical perspective that identifies in the latter the
conclusion of the unification of Italy, whose military actions began during the revolutions of
1848 with the First Italian War of Independence.[4][5]
Effects of WWI –
World War I, a devastating conflict, had profound and lasting effects, reshaping the political,
social, and economic landscape of the world. It resulted in the collapse of major empires, the
rise of new nation-states, and a shift in global power dynamics. The war also led to significant
social changes, including increased rights for women and a greater role for the middle and lower
classes.
Political Effects:
Collapse of Empires:
The war led to the demise of the Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, Russian, and German empires.
New Nation-States:
New nations emerged from the ashes of these empires, such as Austria, Czechoslovakia,
Hungary, Poland, Turkey, and Yugoslavia.
Shift in Global Power:
The United States emerged as a major world power after the war, influencing global politics and
economics.
Rise of Communism:
The Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, spurred by the war, led to the establishment of the first
communist state and the rise of communism as a global political ideology.
Treaty of Versailles:
The Treaty of Versailles, which officially ended the war, imposed harsh penalties on Germany,
including territorial losses and reparations, contributing to future instability.
League of Nations:
The League of Nations was established to prevent future wars, but it ultimately proved
ineffective.
Social Effects:
Demographic Changes:
The war caused millions of deaths and injuries, leading to a significant decline in birth rates and
the displacement of civilians.
Rise of Women's Rights:
Women's participation in the workforce during the war led to increased rights and
opportunities, including suffrage in many countries.
Increased Social Mobility:
The war challenged the dominant role of the upper classes, as the middle and lower classes
gained more influence in shaping their societies.
Psychological Trauma:
The war had a profound psychological impact on both soldiers and civilians, contributing to
widespread anxiety and depression.
Economic Effects:
Economic Depression:
Germany suffered severe economic depression due to the combination of reparations and
hyperinflation following the war.
United States Boom:
The United States benefited economically from the war, becoming a major creditor and
industrial power.
Economic Instability:
The war disrupted global trade and financial systems, leading to instability and hardship in many
countries.
Other Impacts:
Spanish Flu Pandemic:
The war contributed to the spread of the Spanish flu pandemic, which caused millions of deaths
worldwide.
Technological Advancements:
The war spurred technological advancements in warfare, including the development of new
weapons and communication technologies.
Environmental Damage:
The war caused significant environmental damage, including deforestation and pollution.
Results of WWI –
World War I, which ended with the Allied victory, resulted in significant political, social, and
economic changes. The war led to the collapse of four major empires, the creation of new
nation-states, and the redrawing of borders. It also resulted in a large number of casualties,
both military and civilian, and widespread economic devastation.
Here's a more detailed look at the consequences:
Political Changes:
Collapse of Empires:
The Austro-Hungarian, German, Ottoman, and Russian Empires all collapsed, paving the way for
new nations.
Rise of New Nations:
New countries like Poland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
emerged, often along ethnic and nationalist lines.
Territorial Changes:
Significant changes to borders were made, with some countries regaining lost territories (like
Poland) and others being carved out of former empires.
Weakening of European Powers:
The major European powers, like Britain, France, and Germany, were weakened economically
and militarily.
Rise of New Powers:
The war contributed to the rise of the United States and the Soviet Union as major global
powers.
Social Changes:
Casualties and Trauma:
Millions of soldiers died, and millions more were wounded, maimed, or experienced lasting
trauma.
Impact on Women:
Women played a crucial role in the workforce during the war, and many gained more rights,
including the right to vote, in the post-war period.
Shifting Social Structures:
The war challenged the traditional dominance of the upper classes, with middle and lower
classes demanding a greater say in shaping their countries.
Economic Hardship:
Widespread poverty and economic instability were common in the aftermath of the war.
Economic Changes:
Devastation and Debt:
The war caused widespread economic devastation, especially in Europe, with large amounts of
debt and economic hardship.
Treaty of Versailles:
The Treaty of Versailles, which ended the war, imposed harsh terms on Germany, including
territorial losses, military restrictions, and heavy reparations.
Other Significant Outcomes:
Spanish Flu Pandemic:
The war helped spread the Spanish flu pandemic, which caused millions of deaths worldwide.
Treaty of Versailles:
The Treaty of Versailles officially ended the war, but its harsh terms were seen as a humiliation
by Germany and contributed to the rise of nationalist sentiment.
Formation of the League of Nations:
The League of Nations was created with the aim of preventing future wars, but it ultimately
proved ineffective.
The Treaty of Versailles –
The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, imposed harsh terms on Germany, including accepting
responsibility for World War I, paying reparations, and losing territory and colonies. It also
mandated the establishment of the League of Nations.
War Guilt Clause (Article 231): Germany accepted full responsibility for the war.
Territorial Losses: Germany lost territories in Europe, including Alsace-Lorraine to France, and its
overseas colonies were seized by the Allied powers.
Military Restrictions: The German military was significantly reduced in size, conscription was
forbidden, and the Rhineland was demilitarized.
Reparations: Germany was required to pay substantial reparations to the Allied powers.
League of Nations: The treaty established the League of Nations, an international organization
aimed at preventing future wars.
These terms were widely seen as punitive and contributed to resentment in Germany, which
some historians believe helped pave the way for the rise of extremism and the outbreak of
World War II.