Conflict and Tension: The First World War, 1894–1918

Overview:

The First World War (1914–1918) was one of the most catastrophic conflicts in history, involving most of Europe, as well as parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The war was shaped by longstanding tensions between European powers, complicated alliances, militarism, and nationalist fervor. The war itself led to profound changes in international relations, the collapse of empires, and the redrawing of national borders.

This page will cover the following key areas of study:

• The Causes of World War I

• Key Events of the First World War

  • The Outbreak of War

  • The War on the Western and Eastern Fronts

  • Key Battles and Trench Warfare

• The Home Front

• The End of the War and the Treaty of Versailles

• Revision Resources & Exam Tips

1. The Causes of World War I

Background:

The origins of World War I are complex and involve a combination of long-term factors and short-term triggers. The major causes include:

• Nationalism: National pride and ethnic tensions were high in Europe, particularly in the Balkans, where Slavic nationalism was rising. Tensions between Austria-Hungary and Serbia were a significant factor leading to the war.

• Imperialism: European powers were competing for colonies in Africa and Asia, which created rivalries and tensions between the major powers.

• Militarism: The belief in building up strong military forces was widespread, and many European countries were engaged in an arms race, particularly with regard to naval and army strength.

• Alliance System: European powers were divided into two main alliance systems:

  • Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy)

  • Triple Entente (France, Russia, Britain) These alliances promised mutual support in case of war, which helped escalate a localized conflict into a world war.

• Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The immediate cause of World War I was the assassination of the Austro-Hungarian heir to the throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, by a Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, triggering the alliance system and escalating the conflict.

Key Issues to Revise:

• The significance of nationalism and ethnic tensions, especially in the Balkans.

• The impact of imperialism and the competition for global dominance.

• The influence of militarism and the arms race in creating tensions.

• The role of alliances and the events following the assassination of Franz Ferdinand that led to the outbreak of war.

2. Key Events of the First World War

The Outbreak of War (1914)

• The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand led to a chain reaction. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, and Russia, as an ally of Serbia, mobilized its army. Germany, allied with Austria-Hungary, declared war on Russia, then France, and eventually invaded Belgium, drawing Britain into the war.

• Schlieffen Plan: Germany’s plan for a quick victory involved invading France through Belgium (which violated Belgian neutrality). This led to Britain declaring war on Germany.

• War Declaration Timeline: By the end of August 1914, the major European powers were at war.

The War on the Western Front

• Trench Warfare: On the Western Front, the war quickly became a stalemate, with both sides entrenched along a line of trenches from the English Channel to Switzerland. Soldiers endured horrendous conditions, including mud, disease, and constant bombardment.

• Key Battles:

  • Battle of the Somme (1916): One of the bloodiest battles in history, with over one million casualties. It is often remembered for the first use of the tank in battle.

  • Battle of Verdun (1916): A protracted battle between France and Germany, symbolizing the sheer scale and brutality of the war.

  • The Battle of Passchendaele (1917): Known for its mud and heavy casualties, this battle highlighted the futility of much of the fighting.

The War on the Eastern Front

• The Eastern Front was less entrenched but still brutal. The German and Austro-Hungarian armies fought against Russian forces. The war on the Eastern Front saw some significant victories for Germany, especially after the Russian Revolution in 1917, which led to Russia's exit from the war.

Key Issues to Revise:

• The events leading to the outbreak of war and the early stages of conflict.

• The nature of trench warfare and its impact on soldiers and the overall progress of the war.

• The significance of key battles such as the Somme, Verdun, and Passchendaele.

• The situation on the Eastern Front and how it differed from the Western Front.

3. The Home Front

Economic and Social Impact:

• Total War: The war required the mobilization of entire nations. Economies were geared towards war production, and civilian industries were repurposed for military use.

• Conscription: All major powers introduced conscription to maintain military numbers.

• Women in the Workforce: As men went to fight, women took over jobs in factories, offices, and as nurses. This shift was a significant moment in the history of gender roles.

• Censorship and Propaganda: Governments controlled information and used propaganda to maintain morale and encourage support for the war effort.

Casualties and Impact on Society:

• The war caused enormous loss of life, with millions of soldiers and civilians killed or wounded. The social impact was profound, with many families losing loved ones and vast numbers of young men being sent to fight in the trenches.

Key Issues to Revise:

• The concept of "total war" and its effect on the economy, society, and daily life.

• The role of women during the war and the social changes it prompted.

• The impact of casualties and the psychological toll of the war on soldiers and civilians.

4. The End of the War and the Treaty of Versailles

The Collapse of Empires:

• By 1917–1918, the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria) were weakened by military defeats and internal unrest. The Russian Revolution in 1917 led to Russia exiting the war, and in 1918, Germany was finally forced to seek an armistice.

The Armistice (November 11, 1918):

• On November 11, 1918, fighting ceased with the signing of an armistice. The war had officially ended, but the peace negotiations were just beginning.

The Treaty of Versailles (1919):

• The Treaty of Versailles officially ended the war. Its provisions included:

  • War Guilt Clause: Germany was forced to accept responsibility for starting the war.

  • Reparations: Germany was required to pay reparations for the damage caused by the war.

  • Territorial Losses: Germany lost significant territories, including colonies and lands in Europe.

  • Military Restrictions: The German military was severely limited in size and capability.

Key Issues to Revise:

• The causes of the Central Powers' defeat and the significance of the armistice.

• The terms of the Treaty of Versailles and how they contributed to future conflict, particularly the rise of Nazi Germany.

• The political changes in Europe following the war, including the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, and Russian Empires.

5. Revision Resources

Key Concept Overviews:

• Summary of the causes and key events of World War I.

• An overview of key battles, military strategies, and technological developments used during the war.

Timelines & Diagrams:

• Interactive timelines covering the major events of the war, from the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.

• Diagrams illustrating trench warfare and key military strategies.

Revision Videos:

• The Outbreak of World War I: A short video explaining the complex causes and the triggering event that led to the war.

• Life in the Trenches: A video focusing on the day-to-day experiences of soldiers on the Western Front.

Flashcards & Quizzes:

• Flashcards for key dates, events, battles, and figures of World War I.

• Quizzes to test knowledge of the causes of the war, major battles, and the outcomes of the Treaty of Versailles.

6. Exam Tips

• Essay Writing: How to structure essays on topics like the causes of World War I, the impact of trench warfare, and the significance of the Treaty of Versailles.

• Source Analysis: How to analyze primary sources, such as letters from soldiers, wartime propaganda, and diplomatic documents from the peace negotiations.

• Time Management: Tips for effectively managing time during the exam, especially when dealing with essay questions and source-based analysis.