History of the First World War: The Beginnings of Global Conflict

History The First World War began in 1914 and lasted until 1918, marking one of the greatest global conflicts in history. The beginning of this conflict was triggered by a series of complex and interrelated political, military and social events in Europe. One of the main factors is the alliance system formed between countries. Two main blocs emerged: the Central Alliance, consisting of Germany, Austro-Hungary, and Italy; as well as the Allies, which included Britain, France, Russia, and later the United States. Tensions between these forces increased as nationalism began to take root within various nations, especially in the Balkans. Included among the most significant events was the assassination of Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28 June 1914 in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Serbian nationalist group, the “Black Hand”. This assassination set off a chain reaction: Austro-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia, causing tensions to escalate further. With German support, Austro-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914. Russia immediately emerged as Serbia’s protector, mobilizing its troops to support the country. This prompted a reaction from Germany, which declared war on Russia on 1 August and France on 3 August, as well as invading Belgium in pursuit of France. This action violated international treaties and led to Britain becoming involved on August 4, 1914. War strategy at the start of the conflict focused on rapid combat and maneuver, but it soon became bogged down in surprising trench warfare. Communication and transportation bases were often destroyed, leading to brutal conditions that caused many casualties. In the battles of the Somme and Verdun, more than a million soldiers lost their lives, creating PTSD among returning soldiers. The First World War did not only occur in Europe, but also spread to other regions such as the Middle East and Africa. The involvement of countries outside Europe, such as Japan which was allied with England, and colonial invasions carried out by European countries, expanded the global impact so that this conflict was more than just a war between large countries. Around 1917, a significant shift occurred with the entry of the United States into the war which helped change the course of the conflict. America’s established economy and military resources gave the Allies a strategic advantage. On November 11, 1918, an armistice was signed, officially ending the war. The impact of the First World War was profound. The Versailles Treaty of 1919 not only worsened Germany’s economic conditions, but also sowed the seeds of discontent that would later lead to the emergence of the Second World War. These wars undermine global stability, calling for deep questions about international relations and the way states interact. In its history, the First World War is not only a record of numbers and battles, but also a lesson in the consequences of instability and uncontrolled nationalist ambition.