First World War Upsc Notes 37
First World War Upsc Notes 37
In September 1914, German scientist and thinker Ernst Haeckel first used the term 'world war',
it lasted for 4 years. World War 1, usually referred to as the Great War, spanned from 28 July
1914 to 11 November 1918. The Central Powers and the Allied Forces fought each other in
World War I.
• Britain, France, and Russia made up most of the Allied Powers. After 1917, the United
States also engaged in combat on behalf of the Allies.
• Austria-Hungary, Germany, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire were the key countries
that formed the Central Powers.
Key Events Before and During World War I: WW1 UPSC Notes
Event Year/Month
In the event of a conflict, Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary created the 1881
Triple Alliance.
The Balkan League engages in a war in the Balkans (Bulgaria, Serbia, 1912-1913
Montenegro, and Greece). The Balkan League triumphs.
Serbia is at war with Austria. Russia is getting ready to protect Serbia from July 28, 1914
Austria.
German armies marched through Belgium to France. Britain declares war on August 4,
Germany. World War I begins 1914
Russian soldiers are defeated by Germany at the Battle of Tannenberg. August 26,
1914
The Allies stopped the German march on Paris at the Battle of the Marne. September
Russian engagement in East Prussia ended with a German victory in the 1914
following month.
German forces are kept from attacking the English Channel following the November
Battle of Ypres 1914
• Military clauses
• Severe restrictions were put on the German navy.
• Significant Army reductions (only 100,000 troops, prohibition on the
possession of tanks, heavy artillery and aircraft)
• Rhineland region demilitarisation.
• War Reparations
• In accordance with the terms of the treaty, Germany and her allies were
held liable for all "loss and damage" incurred by the Allies and were
consequently required to make reparation payments to the victorious
parties.
• Other Treaties: There were several treaties signed towards the end of the war. The
important ones have been mentioned below;
• The Treaty of Neuilly: The agreement was made with Bulgaria. The little Balkan
nation experienced numerous geographical losses to the advantage of
Yugoslavia, Romania, and Greece.
• The Treaty of Sevres: This agreement was made in 1920 with Turkey. It was
very difficult and gave rise to the Kemal Ataturk-led Turkish national uprising.
This sparked a conflict with Greece, which had taken over a sizable portion of
Anatolia.
There were numerous significant social and ideological developments brought about by the war
such as the United States, which had emerged victorious in the war but had not seen the
fighting on its soil, rose to become a first-world power. The other effects of the war are as listed
here-
• The inclusion of women in the labour as a result of the widespread male mobilization
was a significant advance for women's rights.
• A pre-revolutionary atmosphere was fostered by the success of the Soviet Revolution
(also known as the Russian Revolution) and the humanitarian crisis that followed the
conclusion of the war, which inspired workers in many nations to protest.
• The dread of a Communist revolution and the intense nationalism that certain countries'
middle classes encountered during the war propelled them to the far right. Fascist
movements flourished as a result of this.
• In addition, the League of Nations was founded at that time. After World War I, an
international diplomatic organisation called the League of Nations was created in an
effort to settle international conflicts before they turned into full-scale hostilities. The
League, which served as a forerunner to the United Nations, had a mixed track record of
accomplishment.
Event Year/Month
German submarines blockade Britain after a British naval forces blockaded 1915
Germany.
During the second battle of Ypres, Germany utilises poisonous gas for the 1915 – April –
first time. May
Ottoman Turkey preserved during the Australian, New Zealandean, and 1916 – March
British forces' Gallipoli campaign.
Germans are not defeated by a Russian onslaught under the command of 1916 – June
General Brusilov.
Allied forces make few offensive gains in the third battle of Ypres. 1917 – July
Germany starts the Western Front onslaught. The allies execute a 1918 – July
successful counter-offensive attack in August of that year after the offensive
attack proved unsuccessful.
At the last minute in November, an armistice was struck between Germany 1918 –
and the Allies, ending the first world war. November