World War I

World War I, also known as the First World War or the Great War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It involved many of the world's great powers, divided into two opposing alliances: the Allies and the Central Powers.

Causes of World War I:

• Imperialism: Competition among European powers for colonies and resources.
• Nationalism: Intense pride and devotion to one's nation, leading to tension and rivalries between countries.
• Militarism: The buildup of military forces and an arms race, particularly among European nations.
• Alliance System: Complex web of alliances that divided Europe into opposing camps, leading to a domino effect when one country declared war.
• Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne by a Serbian nationalist sparked the beginning of the war.

Key Events of World War I:

• 1914: The war begins with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the subsequent declarations of war among the European powers.
• Trench Warfare: Both sides dig elaborate systems of trenches, leading to a stalemate on the Western Front.
• 1917: The United States enters the war on the side of the Allies after German unrestricted submarine warfare and the interception of the Zimmermann Telegram.
• Russian Revolution: The Bolsheviks seize power in Russia and sign a peace treaty with the Central Powers, allowing Germany to focus its efforts on the Western Front.
• 1918: The tide turns in favor of the Allies as American troops arrive in Europe and the Central Powers begin to collapse.
• Armistice: The war ends on November 11, 1918, with the signing of the Armistice, leading to the eventual Treaty of Versailles.

Consequences of World War I:

• Treaty of Versailles: The peace treaty that officially ended the war and imposed heavy penalties and territorial losses on Germany.
• League of Nations: An international organization created to prevent future conflicts, but ultimately failed to maintain peace.
• Redrawing of Borders: The war led to the collapse of empires and the redrawing of national boundaries in Europe and the Middle East.
• Economic Impact: Devastation of European economies and the rise of the United States as a global economic power.
• Human Cost: The war resulted in millions of casualties and had a profound impact on the lives of those who survived.

World War I was a watershed moment in global history, leading to significant social, political, and economic changes that would shape the course of the 20th century.

[World War I] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• World War ISocial Studies • Sixth Grade
• World War IISocial Studies • Sixth Grade
• Famous TreatiesSocial Studies • Sixth Grade
• HolocaustSocial Studies • Sixth Grade
• Spanish American WarSocial Studies • Sixth Grade
• Harlem RenaissanceSocial Studies • Sixth Grade