World War I

World War I (known as The Great War before World War II) was a war that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It mainly took place in Europe. Before it ended, 135 countries had been involved in World War I, some of the countries were France, The British Empire, Russia, United States, Romania, The Empire of Japan and Serbia, more than 15 million people died.

Causes

World War I started with the so-called arm race in Europe when countries like Germany, the United Kingdom and Russia increased their military power. Alliances were also created and caused great disturbance in Europe as they contributed not only to the start of World War I but also to its extension. An example of this is when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, leading to other countries and their alliances to join battle.

At the same time, countries in Europe became greedier wanting to increase their wealth and power. Their desire for greater empires led to additional confrontation and tension between them. 

The assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia, and Germany on Russia, which marked the beginning of World War I on August 4th, 1914.

Recruitment and Conscription

Conscription, also known as "the draft", is when a government forces people to join the armed forces. So, because not enough people signed up, conscription was introduced to many countries. This meant you could be asked to join the army or another military branch at any time. Once you were asked, it was hard to get out. It was introduced in 1916 in the United Kingdom and in 1917 in the United States.

Countries involved

Allies

• Belgium
• Brazil
• China
• France
• Greece
• Italy
• Russia
• United Kingdom
• Japan
• United States
• Serbia

The Central Powers

• Austria-Hungary
• Bulgaria
• Germany
• Ottoman Empire

Timeline

1914

• June 28 – Archduke Franz Ferdinand was killed by Gavrilo Princip in Serbia.
• July 23 – Austria-Hungary gives an ultimatum to Serbia.
• July 28 – Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, Russia sends the army to fight.
• July 31 – Germany warns Russia.
• August 1 – Germany declares war on Russia.
• August 3 – Germany declares war on France
• August 4 – Germany invades Belgium, the United Kingdom declares war.

1915

• April 25 – Allied Powers, especially ones from ANZAC, land in Gallipoli.
• May 7 – German U-Boats sink the Lusitania, a passenger ship which was going to Liverpool, in England. 128 Americans were killed too, which eventually made The United States join the war.
• May 23 – Italy declares war on Austria-Hungary.

1916

• February 21 – Germany begins the Battle of Verdun.
• July 1 – Allies begin the Battle of the Somme.

1917

• April - The United States enters the war on the side of the Allies

1918

• November 11 - WW1 ended
• Germany lost and France and their alliance won.

Sources

History Portal — All articles about history.