Causes of the First World War
The First World War, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, was a major conflict involving many countries around the world. There are several main causes that triggered this war. One of them is the overflowing nationalism in Europe, where many nations struggle to achieve independence and recognition. For example, tensions in the Balkans resulted in dissatisfaction among Slavic countries with Austro-Hungarian rule.
Second, complex political and military alliances also played an important role. The creation of two power blocs, namely the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy) and the Entente Alliance (France, Britain and Russia), created an atmosphere of distrust and conflict. Third, there is an arms race that drains the resources of large countries and creates tension.
One of the events that was the immediate trigger was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on June 28 1914 in Sarajevo. This assassination shook European stability and triggered a chain reaction involving various alliances. After Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, other countries immediately became involved, increasing the scale of the conflict.
Impact of the First World War
The First World War had a profound impact on the world, both socially, politically and economically. In social terms, this war caused millions of deaths and injuries. Military and civilian casualties reached more than 40 million, creating a lasting psychological impact on society.
European politics underwent a major transformation. Previously powerful empires, such as the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman ones, collapsed, and new states such as Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia appeared on the map. The signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 changed the European political landscape significantly by requiring Germany to accept blame and pay heavy reparations.
From an economic perspective, the war caused a deep crisis. Destroyed infrastructure, the costs of prolonged war, and changes in trade caused many countries to experience economic depression. For some countries, such as Germany, burdensome war debts led to hyperinflation and subsequent political instability.
This war also influenced the development of military technology and doctrine. The use of new weapons, such as tanks, airplanes, and poison gas, changed the way future conflicts were conducted. Additionally, social movements such as feminism gained momentum thanks to women’s involvement in industry during the war.
Overall, the First World War was not only a military event, but also a turning point in world history, reshaping society and politics in many countries. The impact is still felt today, with many valuable lessons to be learned from the conflict that changed the face of the world.