World War I

The First World War (Also called the Great War before World War II) was a global war originating in Europe that lasted from 28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918. It was a massive conflict wherein the Allied Nations (consisting of France, the British Empire, the Russian Empire (until 1917), Serbia, Belgium, Japan, Montenegro, Italy (from 1915), the United States (from 1917), Romania (from 1916), Portugal (from 1916), and more) and the Central Powers (Consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria (from 1915)) all fought, including their colonies.

World War 1 was a monumental event in world history. It massively changed the political landscape of the world, and changed the geography of many nations forever. The war caused the Russian Revolution, which founded the Soviet Union. There were around 40 million total casualties from the war.

History

Prelude

The catalyst for the beginning of war was the death of Austria's Archduke Franz Ferdinand, who was assassinated while he was visiting Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia, which was then part of the Austria-Hungary. He was assassinated in protest as many Bosnians wanted to be free from the empire to unite with neighbouring Serbia. In retaliation, Austria invaded Serbia.

Ending

By the beginning of 1918 German armies started to surrender, as the tide of war was going swiftly against them. The German proletariat, suffering from both food and fuel shortages, threatened a socialist revolution at home. German leaders feared that potential revolution and eventually asked the allies for peace. The armistice went into effect at 11 AM on 11 November, 1918.

Aftermath

Many Germans felt as if they were cheated out of victory by the German military leaders, as they surrendered. A result of the war was also the liberal February Revolution and Bolshevik October Revolution of 1917 which started the Russian Civil War that would lead to the creation of the USSR.