It seems the historical event that was World War I has often been foreshadowed by the much larger event that followed in World War II. However one simple thing to consider when comparing the two is that before World War II came about, World War I was known as the Great War. That was because humanity had never experienced such a global war of mass destruction before. The turn of the century brought about a new age of technology, communication, and military warfare. This made for one of the bloodiest wars in human history, only later surpassed by World War II.
At the turn of the century there was a new balance of power throughout Europe. The Ottoman Empire was in decline and new alliances were formed among the great powers. One one side was the Triple Alliance (also known as the Central Powers) consisting of the German Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Kingdom of Italy. On the other side were the allied powers consisting of the British Empire, the French Third Republic, and the Russian Empire. Each side had it's smaller affiliated nations and wanted more territorial and economic power. All it took was a minor spark to ignite the biggest war the world had ever known.
That spark came from a conflict in the Balkan regions between the Kingdom of Serbia and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The tension between the neighbors arose mostly over territorial disputes over Bosnia which eventually lead the Balkan Wars of 1912-1913. Serbian nationalism began to grow throughout the Balkan region in opposition to the Austro-Hungarian's presence in the territory. On June 28th, 1914 the prince of the Austro-Hungarian empire Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophia were assassinated in the Bosnian city of Sarajevo. The attack was initiated by a Serbian secret military society known as the Black Hand. In response Austria-Hungary declared war the entire nation of Serbia. This triggered a domino effect of allies waging war on one another.Germany's Schleifen Plan
In late July of 1914 the Austrian-Hungarian army began the first offensive campaign of World War I by invading Serbia. However they were quickly repelled and suffered decisive losses to the Serbian armies at the Battle of Cer and the Battle of Kolubara. The campaign continued for 4 years however, the entirety of the war.
Meanwhile Germany became the key player of the Central Powers' aggression. They initiated a swift offensive campaign, known as the Schleifen Plan, by invading Belgium and France. Led by generals Alexander von Kluck and Karl von Bulow the German armies easily lay siege to numerous cities in Belgium causing them to retreat. The Germans also razed and executed many civilians along their way in what has become known as the Rape of Belgium.By late August the Germans met stronger resistance in northern France by French divisions who were aided by the support of the British armies. The French army were under the leadership of General Joseph Joffre while the British army was under the command of Sir John French. The first major standoffs were a the Battle of Charleroi, the Battle of the Frontiers, and the Battle of Mons, where the German armies crushed the resistance, causing the allies to retreat further south towards Paris.
Russia's Invasion
Meanwhile on the Eastern front the massive Russian army of over a million, began it's invasion of East Prussia in August of 1914. The Germans did not expect the Russians to attack their eastern flank so quickly, and had to revert some of their forces from the west. The Russians were able to find early success against the Austrio-Hungarian armies in Polish territories. However by Aug 26th the German army, led by Paul van Hindenberg, were able to bring the invasion to a swift halt at the Battle of Tannenberg. This was a decisive victory in the east for the Germans and a devastating loss for the morale of the Russians.
Meanwhile on the Eastern front the massive Russian army of over a million, began it's invasion of East Prussia in August of 1914. The Germans did not expect the Russians to attack their eastern flank so quickly, and had to revert some of their forces from the west. The Russians were able to find early success against the Austrio-Hungarian armies in Polish territories. However by Aug 26th the German army, led by Paul van Hindenberg, were able to bring the invasion to a swift halt at the Battle of Tannenberg. This was a decisive victory in the east for the Germans and a devastating loss for the morale of the Russians.
Trench Warfare
It seemed as if the Germans were going to easily plow thru France, that was until the allies made a fierce counterattack at the Battle of the Marne on Sept 5th, 1914. This was just on the outskirts of Paris, a city that France was not prepared to lose to the Germans. Their new slogan, "Thou Shall not Pass" raised the French morale to defend their great city.
The Battle of Marne marked the 1st major victory for the allied forces. The Germans tried yet another offensive in October at the First Battle of the Ypres yet were unable to advance. This marked the beginning of an entrenched stalemate. Each side built their defenses with underground trenches and barb wire making it difficult to advance on one another. The zone between the trenches was referred to as no-man's land.
At the Second Battle of the Ypres in April 1915, the Germans introduced chemical warfare through the use of chlorine gas bombardments. This was successful in clearing the trenches however the Germans were unable to seize on the opportunity of pushing forward. The Allies eventually acquired gas-masks and countermeasures to the German's chemical attacks. The allies also developed deadly gases of their own such as the phosgene and mustard gases.
Both sides continued to change their tactics in order to make advances. Artillery bombardments would last for days at a time, before one side would make it's advance. The Germans also began incorporating submarine warfare to cut off the allies' supplies. This was also a very effective tactic. In Feb 1916 the Germans coordinated another offensive at the Battle of Verdun in hopes to surround the French army and find a different route to Paris. However once again the French soldiers under the leadership of Joseph Joffe were successful in defending the German's attack. This standoff lasted for 9 months.
The Eastern Front
Following it's defeat against the Germans, the Russian's diverted their attention southward against the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman armies. They began to acheive success in Ukraine and Poland at the Battle of Galicia and Battle of the Vistula River. They also were able to retain control of their middle eastern territories and brought heavy casulities against the Ottoman armies at the Battle of Sarikimish.
However by 1915 the German forces came to the aid of the Austro-Hungarian forces and drove the Russians out of Poland. The following Russian offensives were held back, that is until the Brusilov Offensive of September 1916. This campaign led by Russian general Aleksei Brusilov successfully took control of the Ukraine region and drove the Central Powers back. By this time the Romanians had also joined the Russians against the Austro-Hungarian army.
It seemed as if the Germans were going to easily plow thru France, that was until the allies made a fierce counterattack at the Battle of the Marne on Sept 5th, 1914. This was just on the outskirts of Paris, a city that France was not prepared to lose to the Germans. Their new slogan, "Thou Shall not Pass" raised the French morale to defend their great city.The Battle of Marne marked the 1st major victory for the allied forces. The Germans tried yet another offensive in October at the First Battle of the Ypres yet were unable to advance. This marked the beginning of an entrenched stalemate. Each side built their defenses with underground trenches and barb wire making it difficult to advance on one another. The zone between the trenches was referred to as no-man's land.
At the Second Battle of the Ypres in April 1915, the Germans introduced chemical warfare through the use of chlorine gas bombardments. This was successful in clearing the trenches however the Germans were unable to seize on the opportunity of pushing forward. The Allies eventually acquired gas-masks and countermeasures to the German's chemical attacks. The allies also developed deadly gases of their own such as the phosgene and mustard gases.
Both sides continued to change their tactics in order to make advances. Artillery bombardments would last for days at a time, before one side would make it's advance. The Germans also began incorporating submarine warfare to cut off the allies' supplies. This was also a very effective tactic. In Feb 1916 the Germans coordinated another offensive at the Battle of Verdun in hopes to surround the French army and find a different route to Paris. However once again the French soldiers under the leadership of Joseph Joffe were successful in defending the German's attack. This standoff lasted for 9 months.
The Eastern Front
Following it's defeat against the Germans, the Russian's diverted their attention southward against the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman armies. They began to acheive success in Ukraine and Poland at the Battle of Galicia and Battle of the Vistula River. They also were able to retain control of their middle eastern territories and brought heavy casulities against the Ottoman armies at the Battle of Sarikimish.However by 1915 the German forces came to the aid of the Austro-Hungarian forces and drove the Russians out of Poland. The following Russian offensives were held back, that is until the Brusilov Offensive of September 1916. This campaign led by Russian general Aleksei Brusilov successfully took control of the Ukraine region and drove the Central Powers back. By this time the Romanians had also joined the Russians against the Austro-Hungarian army.
Battle of Jutland
In an attempt to cut off the British supply lines, the Germans put extra effort in opposing the mighty British Royal Navy. At the time the British grand fleet was untouchable and had put on a successful blockade of Germany at the start of the war. On May 31st 1916, the German Navy under the leadership of Reinhard Scheer sought to break this blockade and faced the British navy head on at the Battle of Jutland. Under the command of Admiral John Jellicoe the British navy were able to repel the German's advance. While the British lost more battleships and lives they were ultimately successful in retaining control of the English Channel.
From that point on the Germans switched their tactics primarily to unrestricted submarine warfare, which was against the rules of engagement. German U-boats attacked supply boats and battleships from underwater without any warning. It was in May 1915 when the German submarines sank an American passenger liner, the Lusitania. While the Germans insisted that it was an accident and would no longer target passenger lines, it was a major blow to the United States' neutrality.
In an attempt to cut off the British supply lines, the Germans put extra effort in opposing the mighty British Royal Navy. At the time the British grand fleet was untouchable and had put on a successful blockade of Germany at the start of the war. On May 31st 1916, the German Navy under the leadership of Reinhard Scheer sought to break this blockade and faced the British navy head on at the Battle of Jutland. Under the command of Admiral John Jellicoe the British navy were able to repel the German's advance. While the British lost more battleships and lives they were ultimately successful in retaining control of the English Channel.From that point on the Germans switched their tactics primarily to unrestricted submarine warfare, which was against the rules of engagement. German U-boats attacked supply boats and battleships from underwater without any warning. It was in May 1915 when the German submarines sank an American passenger liner, the Lusitania. While the Germans insisted that it was an accident and would no longer target passenger lines, it was a major blow to the United States' neutrality.
Battle of the Somme
The war on the western front continued at a stalemate in France for nearly 2 years. The Germans maintained a defensive occupation of the northern territories while the Allied forces began offensive campaigns. One of the most bloody of these campaigns was the Battle of the Somme on July 1916. It saw the inclusion of aerial and tank assaults as a means to advance.
The British armies suffered devastating causalities in the face of German machine guns. After several months the allies succeeded in driving the Germans out of position, however the death toll was far too high to call it a victory and the stalemate continued.
The war on the western front continued at a stalemate in France for nearly 2 years. The Germans maintained a defensive occupation of the northern territories while the Allied forces began offensive campaigns. One of the most bloody of these campaigns was the Battle of the Somme on July 1916. It saw the inclusion of aerial and tank assaults as a means to advance.
The British armies suffered devastating causalities in the face of German machine guns. After several months the allies succeeded in driving the Germans out of position, however the death toll was far too high to call it a victory and the stalemate continued.
Zimmerman Telegram
Throughout the conflict US president Woodrow Wilson was stern on his promise to the American people of not to get involved in Europe's War. However the first strike came in 1915 when the German subs sank the Lusitania killing 128 American citizens. Wilson demanded an end to the sinking of passenger ships and also tried to coordinate peace in Europe. However the final straw came in January 1917, when the British intercepted a German message to Mexico, persuading Mexico to wage war on America. Germany's thinking was that the US would enter the war regardless anyway, and may stand a better chance against them if they were engaged with Mexico.
Wilson saw this as the final straw of German aggression and presented it to the public to win support for entering the war. He promised the people this would be the war to end all wars, and that he would create an international peace committee after it was all over to avoid future conflicts such as this. On April 6th, 1917 the US congress declared war on Germany. Thousands of American soldiers began arriving in the British channel to reinforce the allies.
Throughout the conflict US president Woodrow Wilson was stern on his promise to the American people of not to get involved in Europe's War. However the first strike came in 1915 when the German subs sank the Lusitania killing 128 American citizens. Wilson demanded an end to the sinking of passenger ships and also tried to coordinate peace in Europe. However the final straw came in January 1917, when the British intercepted a German message to Mexico, persuading Mexico to wage war on America. Germany's thinking was that the US would enter the war regardless anyway, and may stand a better chance against them if they were engaged with Mexico.Wilson saw this as the final straw of German aggression and presented it to the public to win support for entering the war. He promised the people this would be the war to end all wars, and that he would create an international peace committee after it was all over to avoid future conflicts such as this. On April 6th, 1917 the US congress declared war on Germany. Thousands of American soldiers began arriving in the British channel to reinforce the allies.
Russia Withdraws from War
With the addition of the United States, it appeared the allies had the clear advantage, that was until the Russian army began to withdraw. Despite it's success after the Brusilov Offensive many of the peasant Russians had grown tired of the war and their tsar. By Feb 1917 the tsar was forced to abdicate and hand over the throne to a provisional government. However the Russians remained in the war. That was until a 2nd revolution came in October of 1917 this time led by the more extreme Bolshevik party. Under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky, a new decree was put in place to officially withdraw from the World War. This sudden change was great news for the German armies who no longer had to worry about the Eastern front and could put their entire focus on the Western Front.
Germany's Spring Offensive
With the Russians out of the war and the Americans entering the war, the Germans decided it was time for one final offensive. Under the leadership of Gen Erich Ludendorff the Germans plan was to divide the British and French forces before the American soldiers arrived. The first assault came in March of 1918 as the German armies pushed through Saint-Quentin with new stormtrooper tactics. By using the element of surprise German forces were able to regain forward position in France.
However one of the key turning points for Germany came at the 2nd Battle of the Marne in July 1918. French commander, Gen Ferdinand Foch assembled the allies new team of French, British, and American soldiers. Gen Douglas Haig led the British forces while General John J. Pershing lead the fresh American soldiers. The Germans initiated the attack for the city of Reims, however the tide quickly turned against them as the Allies began a major counter attack led by hundreds of tanks. The Germans were forced to retreat and so began the Allies final offensive.
With the addition of the United States, it appeared the allies had the clear advantage, that was until the Russian army began to withdraw. Despite it's success after the Brusilov Offensive many of the peasant Russians had grown tired of the war and their tsar. By Feb 1917 the tsar was forced to abdicate and hand over the throne to a provisional government. However the Russians remained in the war. That was until a 2nd revolution came in October of 1917 this time led by the more extreme Bolshevik party. Under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky, a new decree was put in place to officially withdraw from the World War. This sudden change was great news for the German armies who no longer had to worry about the Eastern front and could put their entire focus on the Western Front.
Germany's Spring Offensive
With the Russians out of the war and the Americans entering the war, the Germans decided it was time for one final offensive. Under the leadership of Gen Erich Ludendorff the Germans plan was to divide the British and French forces before the American soldiers arrived. The first assault came in March of 1918 as the German armies pushed through Saint-Quentin with new stormtrooper tactics. By using the element of surprise German forces were able to regain forward position in France.However one of the key turning points for Germany came at the 2nd Battle of the Marne in July 1918. French commander, Gen Ferdinand Foch assembled the allies new team of French, British, and American soldiers. Gen Douglas Haig led the British forces while General John J. Pershing lead the fresh American soldiers. The Germans initiated the attack for the city of Reims, however the tide quickly turned against them as the Allies began a major counter attack led by hundreds of tanks. The Germans were forced to retreat and so began the Allies final offensive.
The Hundred Days Offensive
Following their victory at the 2nd Battle of the Marne, the Allies began to push the Germans out of France. August 8th, 1918 marked their first offensive victory at the Battle of Amiens in north France. A few days later came the Second Battle of the Somme which was yet another Allied victory. Soon the Allies were pushing at the German's Hindenburg Line, their last occupied stronghold in France. The Germans knew they had loss the war by this point, yet were holding on for some sort of favorable treaty.
Meanwhile the other central powers had also began to capitulate in the autumn of 1918. Bulgaria was the first to accept defeat in September. In October the Ottoman Empire signed an armistice which marked an end to their long standing empire. The Austro-Hungarian army also became ineffective after being overrun by the Italian armies. On Nov 3rd they too signed an armistice.
The Hindenburg Line was heavily fortified and the Allies began the Meuse-Argonne Offensive lead by American General John J. Pershing. The fighting began on Sept 26th 1918 and lasted for a couple weeks until the Germans agreed upon an armistice. They had lost their territory, their supplies, their moral, and knew the war was over. The Kaiser of Germany was forced to step down and soon frenzy and revolution began to grip the streets of Germany.
End of War and Aftermath
Following the armistice a period of seven months of ceasefire was in place while the world leaders began to meet and discuss a proper peace treaty moving forward. President Woodrow Wilson famously proposed a 14-Point Plan, with the establishment of a League of Nations as vital. By June of 1919 the Allied delegates presented the Treaty of Versailles to the defeated Germans. The signing of the document brought an official end to World War I.
The terms of the treaty were extremely harsh on the Germans, blaming them for start of the entire conflict. It stripped territorial land from Germany that was acquired before and during the war. It brought down harsh military restrictions on the Germans in an effort to avoid re-escalation. It brought huge financial reparations against Germany to pay for all the damage they had caused. It required that Allied troops keep a presence in their homeland to maintain peace. And finally it made way for an international organization that would later become known as the League of Nations.
Despite all these efforts to create a new world of peace, the treaty only infuriated the Germans all the more. They grew angry at the world, yet also those within their country they deemed as traitors, specifically the Jews. Shortly after the German Revolution of 1919 was repelled, a Weimar Republic was put in place to rebuild Germany's economy. This was no easy task with the high cost of reparations, and only paved the way for new German nationalism and radicalism. This humiliated nation was in dire need of something to believe in, which brought way to the rise of the National Socialist Party under the leadership of Adolf Hitler.
Despite all these efforts to create a new world of peace, the treaty only infuriated the Germans all the more. They grew angry at the world, yet also those within their country they deemed as traitors, specifically the Jews. Shortly after the German Revolution of 1919 was repelled, a Weimar Republic was put in place to rebuild Germany's economy. This was no easy task with the high cost of reparations, and only paved the way for new German nationalism and radicalism. This humiliated nation was in dire need of something to believe in, which brought way to the rise of the National Socialist Party under the leadership of Adolf Hitler.
Other Interesting Facts about World War I
- It was the deadliest and most cost effective conflict of it's time
- The total number of deaths was more than 18 million (11 million soldiers, and 7 million civilians)
- The total number of wounded was over 22 million
- The Battle of Somme was the bloodiest causing over 1.2 million deaths
- Over 65 million soldiers partook in the war
- Over 40 countries partook in the war
- It was the first use of chemical warfare; causing 500,000 causalities
- The self-powered machine gun fired 600 rounds a minute
- Artillery weapons caused 70% of the war's casualties
- One of the most infamous of these artillery weapons, was known as "Big Bertha". It's shells could fire over 9 miles.
- It was the first use of tanks introduced by the British; nearly 900 were used in operation
- It was the first use of planes with nearly 65,000 produced by both sides
- America's top pilot, Eddie Rickenbacker, downed 26 aircraft
- Germany's top pilot, Manfred von Richthofen (known as the Red Baron), downed 80 aircraft
- Germany also introduced the zeppelin to warfare, conducting aerial bombings
- Germany also introduced submarine warfare; sinking over 5,500 Allied ships
- Despite all the technological advancements, over 500,000 carrier pigeons were used to deliver messages
- On Christmas Eve 1914, British and German troops called for a ceasefire and played football and exchanged souvenirs in no-mans land.
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