Introduction

Imperialism and World trade had made the entire world become affected by events in some parts. As Europe was the center of trade and colonization a war that broke out in this area would soon spread out and affect policies in the colonies too that were spread around the world. The wars prior to this were confined to warring armies and the civilian population wasn’t affected. But in this war, the damage to civilian areas exceeded that of the military.

Due to its extent and impact, it was known as the First World War.

Reasons for the War

Imperialist Rivalries

The European nations had started a scramble for colonies but by the end of the 19th century the race had finished and now more colonies didn’t exist. In order to capture more, the country had to dispossess other imperialists. The conquer of Africa saw many European nations coming to a confrontation. However the direct war was avoided by negotiations but sometimes war was fought e.g. Russia – Japan.

New imperial nations developed like Italy ad Germany. They had started the race for colonies late and wanted to compete with the existing powers. Germany raced ahead of England and France in terms of manufacturing and set its sights on the declining Ottoman Empire in Turkey. It built the Berlin Baghdad railway to achieve its goals. This alarmed England and France who also had imperial ambitions in Turkey.

Russia too was in confrontation with other imperial powers as it sought to expand into Iran and Constantinople.

Conflicts within Europe

The internal conflicts were present in the countries of Europe namely Austria -Hungary, England, France, Germany, and Russia. Italy claimed certain territories captured by Austria, France wanted to wreck humiliation on Germany for the defeat in 1870, and also wanted the Alsace Lorraine region.

The Balkan countries were fighting for freedom from the Ottoman empire. Russia had started the Pan-Slav movement and wanted all Slav-origin people to be united under it. Serbia a Slav nation in Balkan wanted to unite all Slavs and was encouraged by Russia.

England and France were alarmed at the rising influence of Russia in the Balkans.

Formation of Coalitions

The conflicts in these nations increased and there was an arms race and propaganda for war. Each nation claimed glory over others. The coalitions were formed of Triple Alliance and Triple Entente. But these were only loose agreements made over colonial possessions. A conflict seemed inevitable and also the tension that a war in Europe would reach all parts of the World as most of these nations had colonial possessions.

Austria – Hungary declared war on Serbia, Russia joined on Serbia’s side and Germany declared war on France and Russia. German lightning strikes through Belgium succeeded in reaching the borders of Paris but the army was diverted on the Russian front too. The army of either side couldn’t dislodge the other and a stalemate continued for four years.

The war extended to colonies in the Far East, and Africa too. The German colonies in Africa were captured by England and France and the Far East too by Japan. A different kind of warfare was started where each side dug trenches and attacked the other. The civilian populations were bombed. Each side wanted to cut off the food and supply lines of the other. Poison gas was used.

Submarines and Aerial bombings, liquid fire, and tanks were used on a large scale. The civilian population of colonies was used to dig trenches and fight on behalf of their mother countries.

Russia was facing a revolution by the Bolsheviks and soon the Czar was defeated. The Bolsheviks pursued peace against the Germans and Germany put heavy terms on them. The Entry of the USA turned the tides of the War.

The USA had become a supplier of arms to the Central powers and was generally sympathetic to England. the central powers had taken loans from the US and these could be repaid only if they won. The US was also apprehensive f German domination that could challenge its own strength. When a British ship Lusitania was sunk by German U-Boats USA joined the War.

End of the War

The Revolution in Russia led to a civil war as Czar and supporters were fighting against the revolutionary government of Bolsheviks. The rebels were supported by England, and France but the Bolsheviks won and foreign powers were defeated. USA, Britain, and France launched an offensive against the Triple Alliance and the Alliance was crushed. Austria-Hungary surrendered, and Turkey and Bulgaria also saw revolutions against the rulers and surrendered.

German Emperor faced protests and abdicated to Holland. The surrender of Germany ended the War and this was met with jubilations.

 

After the War

President Woodrow Wilson’s 14-point plan was proposed creating an international agency for peace, handing back captured territories, etc. But the Treaty of Versailles was framed by victorious nations. In this, the victors imposed conditions on the defeated nations. The Republican government of Germany was forced to accept the treaty by which a huge war indemnity was imposed, The army was limited to 1 lakh, and the navy and air force were disbanded. Alsace Lorraine was handed over to France along with Saar coal mines.

The victors like the British, and France also divided the colonial possessions amongst themselves. Some of the allies like Italy and Russia didn’t get the colonies they were seeking. The Sphere of Influence of Germany in China was handed over to Japan due to its alliance with Britain and France.

Ottoman Empire had disintegrated and newer independent states were created. Some of the protectorates of the Empire were given as mandates to France and Britain. Old dynasty rulers in Russia, Germany, and Austria were destroyed and new governments emerged.

A new international organization was created to have international peace but Russia and Germany weren’t allowed to join. Also, the USA did not join it. This made the League of Nations ineffective. Many aggression was committed but the league couldn’t handle them. It also couldn’t solve the problem of colonization.

Thus, the imposing peace treaties and impotent organizations created couldn’t keep a lasting peace in Europe but in fact, became a reason for another devastating war that started after 20 years.