The First World War

• The assassination heightened tensions, leading Austro-Hungarian Empire to declare war on Serbia, triggering a series of war declarations by August 1914.

• Germany aimed for swift victory in France to avoid a two-front war with Russia.

Initial Phase of the War

• Rapid troop movements, including Germany's invasion of neutral Belgium.

• Atrocities committed by German forces against Belgian civilians.

• England entered the war by October 1914; initial hopes for a quick resolution faded.

• A key victory for Germany against Russia at the Battle of Tannenberg.

The Western Front and Trench Warfare

• The war was characterized by a bloody stalemate and trench warfare, with major battles like the Somme, Verdun, and Passchendaele causing massive casualties.

Key Battles

• Battle of Verdun (Feb 21, 1916): German assault aimed at breaking French morale; resulted in over 1,000,000 casualties.

• Battle of the Somme (July 1, 1916): Intended to relieve pressure on the French; first day saw 19,240 British casualties.

Technological Warfare

• Introduction of new weaponry changed combat; psychological effects included shell shock.

War Progression and Stalemate

• By 1918, the war remained a stalemate; Russia withdrew due to the Bolshevik Revolution.

• Kaiserschlacht offensive led to temporary German advances but was ultimately unsuccessful.

The Decline of Germany

• Resource shortages and naval blockades weakened Germany, demoralizing the population and straining military resources.

The End of the War

• Chaos during final hours led to an armistice on November 11, 1918.

Casualties of the War

• Total deaths: 20 million soldiers and 10 million civilians, exacerbated by the Spanish influenza pandemic (50 million).

Impact and Consequences

• War shifted global power dynamics; the U.S. emerged as a world power.

• Led to democratization and the dismantling of monarchies; key leaders emerged for future conflicts.

Enduring Legacies

• Themes of suffering and camaraderie persist, influencing politics and society long after the war's end.