World War 1 (1914 -1918), Causes, Consequences, Key Events

World War I, commonly referred to as the Great War, was a devastating worldwide conflict that engulfed the world from 1914 to 1918, sparked by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. The war's origins can be traced back to the rising tide of imperialism, nationalism, and militarism that gripped Europe in the late 19th century. Ethnic tensions escalated as colonial powers fought for dominance over the world, drawing nations into the conflict through a complex web of alliances. The First World War began in Europe but quickly escalated, drawing in countries from around the world into a devastating conflict that would claim millions of lives and reshape the global political landscape.

World War 1 Causes

World War I, one of the most devastating conflicts in human history, had its roots in several complex and intertwined factors.

• Imperialism: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a rivalry between established European imperial powers like Britain, France, and Russia, and rising powers like Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy and Japan.
  • These nations were competing fiercely for colonies, economic supremacy, and spheres of influence, fueling tensions.
  • By 1900, Germany's industrial and military rise, fueled by iron and steel production, and naval buildup challenging Britain's supremacy, disrupted the European balance of power.
  • Japan's victory over Russia in 1904-1905 exposed Russian weaknesses and undermined its global standing. The 1905 victory highlighted Asia's rising power to defeat a European empire and fueled unrest leading to the 1917 Russian Revolution.
  • After the 1917 Russian Revolution, the Bolshevik government under Vladimir Lenin withdrew Russia from WWI, citing it as an imperialist conflict driven by capitalist interests, aiming to end Russia's involvement in what they deemed an unjust war.
• Colonialism: The Industrial Revolution fueled European powers' pursuit of colonial expansion for raw materials and markets, sparking conflicts over territories and resources.
  • This race for colonies intensified rivalries and fueled nationalist sentiments, setting the stage for future confrontations.
  • While Germany is generally blamed for World War I, the conflict was ultimately the result of competing colonial aspirations and rivalries among European powers.
• Nationalism and demands of nation-states: The rise of nationalism, both ethnic and linguistic, played a significant role in the outbreak of World War I. Various ethnic groups within Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire aspired to establish their own nation-states.
  • Examples: Czechs, Slovaks, Poles, Serbs, and Croats within the Austria-Hungary Empire and Armenians, Greeks, and Bulgarians within the Ottoman Empire. 
  • The declining power of the Ottoman Empire (sick man of Europe) in the Balkan region created a power vacuum and fueled nationalist aspirations among various ethnic groups within its territories.
  • This desire for self-determination led to conflicts, particularly in the Balkan region. 
  • The Balkan Wars of 1912-1913, fought between the Balkan states and the Ottoman Empire, further destabilised the region and set the stage for future conflicts.
• Role of Germany: Germany's aggressive pursuit of colonial expansion, naval buildup challenging British supremacy, and unwavering support for Austria-Hungary after the Sarajevo assassination fueled tensions, and escalated the crisis.
  • Furthermore, Germany's calculated risk of a localized war and its underestimation of Russia and France's willingness to intervene contributed significantly to the outbreak of a wider European conflict.
  • While Germany was not solely responsible, its actions and miscalculations were critical factors that precipitated the descent into World War I.
• Immediate Cause: The immediate trigger was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria by a Bosnian Serb nationalist on June 28, 1914.
  • This event escalated into a conflict between Austria-Hungary and Serbia, which quickly drew in other powers due to the complex web of alliances and rivalries.
• Mutual Defense Alliances: The complex web of alliances like the Triple Entente (Britain, France, and Russia) and Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) bound nations through treaty obligations.
  • When Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia after Sarajevo, Russia had to support its ally, Serbia. Germany then honoured its alliance with Austria-Hungary, leading to declarations of war against Russia and France.
  • Britain joined to support its Russian and French allies. 
  • These interlocking alliances divided Europe into opposing camps, transforming a local crisis into a continent-wide conflagration as countries upheld commitments to respective allies.

First World War Key Events

There were several events that laid the foundation of World War, some of the key events were:

World War 1 Phases

World War I unfolded over several distinct phases from 1914 to 1918. This global war, initially centred in Europe, witnessed the participation of major world powers and their colonial empires, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life on an unprecedented scale.

• Beginning: The war began on July 28, 1914, with the Austro-Hungarian declaration of war on Serbia after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
• Phase 1: The Opening Campaigns (1914)
• The war began with the Opening Campaigns, marked by the initial German offensive known as the Schlieffen Plan, which aimed to swiftly defeat France before turning against Russia.
• This phase witnessed major battles like the First Battle of the Marne and the Battle of Tannenberg, where the Allied forces halted the German advance, leading to a stalemate and the establishment of trench warfare along the Western Front.
• Phase 2: Stalemate and Attrition (1915-1917)
• The second phase was defined by a prolonged stalemate and a war of attrition, characterized by bloody battles like Verdun, the Somme, and Gallipoli, where both sides suffered immense casualties with little territorial gain.
• This phase also saw the entry of new participants, including the Ottoman Empire and Italy, as well as the withdrawal of Russia following the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution.
• Phase 3: The Tide Turns (1917-1918)
• The final phase witnessed a crucial turning point with the entry of the United States on the Allied side in 1917.
• This phase also saw the implementation of new military tactics and technologies, such as the widespread use of tanks and aircraft.
• Ultimately, the combined efforts of the Allied powers, coupled with the exhaustion of the Central Powers, led to the defeat of Germany and its allies.
• End: The war ended on November 11, 1918, with the signing of the Armistice after the defeat of Germany and its allies.
• Multiple fronts: The conflict took place on multiple fronts in Europe, Africa, and Asia. The main fronts were the Western Front with Germany against Britain, France, and later the U.S., and the Eastern Front with Russia against Germany and Austria-Hungary.

First World War Consequences

The war in 1914 was unprecedented in human history, characterized by a general conflict between highly organized states utilizing modern technology and resources. It disrupted the international order that had existed in Europe since the Congress of Vienna in 1815.

• Economic Consequences
• The participating countries in World War I incurred significant financial costs.
• Germany and Great Britain spent approximately 60% of their GDP on the war.
• To finance the war, countries raised taxes, borrowed money from citizens, and resorted to printing money, leading to post-war inflation.
• Political Consequences
• Collapse of Empires: The war led to the fall of four major empires - the Russian Empire, German Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Ottoman Empire.
  • This paved the way for the emergence of new nation-states and the redrawing of borders.
• Rise of New Nation-States and Territorial Changes: The dissolution of the old empires led to the rise of several new nation-states. These newly formed countries, including Poland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, were largely established along ethnic and nationalist lines.
  • The territorial changes were significant, with the dismantling of the Austro-Hungarian Empire into independent states of Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia.
  • Poland regained territories from Russia and Germany.
  • Through the League of Nations mandate system, Great Britain and France gained control over former Ottoman territories in the Middle East, such as Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq.
• Weakening of European Powers: The war significantly weakened the major European powers, such as Britain, France, and Germany, both economically and militarily. This paved the way for the rise of new powers, such as the United States and the Soviet Union.
• Rise of Nationalism and Self-Determination: The principle of self-determination, advocated by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, gained traction, leading to the formation of new nation-states based on ethnic and linguistic identities.
  • However, this also laid the groundwork for future conflicts as borders were redrawn, leaving some ethnic groups dissatisfied.
• Social Consequences
• World War I had a profound impact on society.
• Birth rates declined due to the high number of casualties, leaving millions dead, wounded, maimed, and creating widows and orphans.
• Many civilians lost their land and became refugees, seeking shelter in other countries.
• Women played a crucial role in the workforce, replacing men in factories and offices during the war.
• Post-war, many countries granted women more rights, including the right to vote.
• The first world war challenged the dominant role of the upper classes, as the middle and lower classes demanded a say in shaping their countries.
• International Consequences
• The global order underwent a significant shift, with the United States establishing itself as a major power and the Soviet Union (formed after the Russian Revolution) inspiring other nations to adopt Communist ideologies. 
  • This set the stage for the ideological struggle between Capitalism and Communism, known as the Cold War, which would shape the world for decades to come.
• The United States, having emerged victorious without experiencing war on its own territory, became a prominent global power.
• The Russian Revolution of 1917 and social unrest in the aftermath of the war fueled protests and created a pre-revolutionary atmosphere in many countries.
• Extreme nationalism and fear of Communist revolutions pushed some middle-class populations towards right-wing extremism and the rise of fascist movements.
• Creation of the League of Nations:
• The League of Nations was established as an international diplomatic organization after World War I.
• Its purpose was to prevent conflicts and resolve disputes between countries before they escalated into full-scale warfare.
• The League had mixed success and served as a precursor to the United Nations, achieving some victories but also facing limitations in its effectiveness.

Important Treaties

India and World War 1

India, as a British colony, played a crucial role in World War I, contributing over a million soldiers and significant economic resources to support the Allied war effort.

• Military Contribution: India provided a massive supply of troops, resources, and materials to support the British war effort.
  • A large number of Indian soldiers served in the British Indian Army during World War I, fighting in various theatres, including Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
  • Prominent campaigns involving Indian troops were the Battle of Gallipoli (1915), the Mesopotamian Campaign(1914-1918), and the Palestine Campaign (1917-1918).
  • The Indian Army played a crucial role in defending the British Empire's interests and territories.
  • The iconic India Gate in Delhi was constructed by the British Empire in 1931 to commemorate the casualties of Indians during World War I (and in the Third Anglo-Afghan War).
• Economic Contribution: India's economic resources were heavily exploited by the British to finance the war.
  • India contributed financially through taxes and the purchase of war bonds.
  • Indian industries were geared towards producing essential war materials, such as clothing, equipment, and ammunition.
• Impact on India:
  • Economic Strain: The war placed a heavy economic burden on India. Resources, finances, and manpower were diverted to support the British war effort, leading to shortages, inflation, and economic hardships for the Indian population.
  • Nationalist Movement Gained Momentum: India's significant contributions in terms of soldiers, resources, and finances strengthened the demand for self-governance and independence from British rule. The war exposed Indian soldiers to ideas of self-determination and nationalism, further fueling the independence movement.
  • Political Reforms: The British government, acknowledging India's contributions, introduced the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919, which aimed to introduce limited self-governance in India. However, these reforms were deemed inadequate by many Indian leaders, further intensifying the calls for independence.
  • Rise of Revolutionary Movements: The frustration with British rule and the lack of substantial political reforms led to the rise of revolutionary movements, such as the Ghadar Party and the Hindu-Muslim revolutionaries, seeking to overthrow British colonial rule through armed struggle. 

World War 1 UPSC PYQs

Question 1: To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically (UPSC Mains 2015)

Question 2: How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of the balance of power? (UPSC Mains 2015-History Optional)

World War 1 FAQs

Q1. What led to Germany being held accountable for World War 1?

Ans. Germany bears responsibility for World War 1 due to the significant role played by the German government. The leaders of Germany actively encouraged Austria-Hungary to invade Serbia, thereby enabling the Balkan conflict. Without Germany's support, Austria-Hungary would not have been able to act in the same manner. The German authorities were fully aware of the potential escalation of the conflict.

Q2. What were the causes of the outbreak of World War 1?

Ans. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand served as a significant catalyst for the war. Additionally, Germany is implicated for its support of Austria-Hungary and its prominent role in World War 1. Numerous events unfolded in the sequence of the war's commencement.

Q3. Why was the First World War so deadly?

Ans. The unprecedented loss of life during this war surpassed any previous conflict in history, mainly due to the utilization of novel technologies by militaries. These included tanks, airplanes, submarines, machine guns, modern artillery, flamethrowers, and poison gas.

Q4. Which country were in the Allied Powers?

Ans. The Allied powers comprised Russia, France, Britain, the USA (1917-18), Japan, and Serbia.

Q5. Which country suffered more in World War 1?

Ans. The German army endured the majority of both military and civilian losses.