World War I PDF

World War I, also known as the Great War, spanned from 1914 to 1918 and was one of the deadliest conflicts in history, reshaping the political landscape of Europe and the world. Its roots can be traced back to complex alliances, militarism, nationalism, and imperial rivalries. The immediate trigger...

World War I, also known as the Great War, spanned from 1914 to 1918 and was one of the deadliest conflicts in history, reshaping the political landscape of Europe and the world. Its roots can be traced back to complex alliances, militarism, nationalism, and imperial rivalries. The immediate trigger for the war was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary on June 28, 1914, by a Serbian nationalist. This act set off a chain reaction among the major European powers. Austria-Hungary, backed by Germany, issued an ultimatum to Serbia, leading to a declaration of war on July 28, 1914. Russia mobilized in defense of Serbia, prompting Germany to declare war on Russia. France and Britain, bound by alliances, joined the conflict, leading to a full-scale war. The war was characterized by trench warfare, with soldiers facing brutal conditions on the Western Front, where battles like the Somme and Verdun resulted in massive casualties. New technologies such as tanks, airplanes, and chemical weapons changed the nature of warfare, making it more deadly. The conflict extended beyond Europe, involving nations from around the world, including the United States, which entered the war in 1917. The war also saw significant social changes, including shifts in gender roles as women entered the workforce in greater numbers. The war concluded with the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918. The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, imposed heavy reparations on Germany and redrew national boundaries, creating new countries and sowing the seeds for future conflicts, including World War II. The legacy of World War I continues to influence global politics and international relations today.