“The Great War”

World War I was fought between It will involve the most powerful nations on Earth: England, France, Russia, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy, United States. Nearly 65 million men will fight in WWI. WWI will produce more than 35 million casualties ~10 million killed in battle, ~20 million wounded, ~5 million civilian deaths (starvation, disease)

WWI is known as the first “Modern War” First War after the Industrial Revolution First use of machine guns, tanks, chemical weapons airplanes, and submarines in warfare. WWI still ranks as one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. ~4% of the Earth’s population will die in 4 years.

Europe in the early 1900’s is rampant with competition and nationalism. Nationalism- extreme patriotic feelings. Belief that one nation is more important than all others. The “Great Nations” of Europe: England, France, Italy, Germany, Russia, Austria-Hungary For nearly 40 years these nations have been competing for wealth, land, and power.

This competition has lead to a massive build up of military power, and the formation of military alliances. Military Alliance- a mutual pledge of protection (we protect you, you protect us) By 1914, two major military alliances exist in Europe. Triple Alliance (Allies) – England, France, Russia Central Powers – Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy

Russia France England Germany Austria- Hungary Italy

Most nations think these military alliances will prevent a major European War. Instead they will set the entire world on a path to war.

One event will start WWI June 28 th, 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Princess Sophie of Austria-Hungary are assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia. The assassin, Gavrilo Princip, is a Serbian terrorist. Austria-Hungary vows to get revenge, and punish the small nation of Serbia.

July 28 th, 1914 Exactly one month later, Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia and invades. Because of the military alliances, a chain reaction begins that will bring all of the “Great Nations” into World War I.

By August 4 th, 1914, only 37 days after the assassination in Sarajevo, the six “Great Nations” of Europe have all declared war on one another. Allies: England, France, Russia VS. Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy Both sides think they will win a quick victory, and the war will “be over by Christmas”.

The first six months of WWI saw massive armies making bold, aggressive moves to try and win a quick victory.

Germany invades France: Germany quickly moves through Belgium into France, wins several key victories, and comes close to crushing the French Army. France suffers 200,000 casualties in the first month of war. The British send reinforcements into France and Belgium. The German Army is finally stopped at “The Miracle at the Marne” ~30 miles from Paris, France

Russia invades Germany: Russia sends an army of more than 3 million men to invade Germany and Austria-Hungary. The Austrians struggle and are pushed out of Serbia The Russian Army is finally stopped at “The Battle of Tannenberg” in Eastern Germany. Total of more than 1 million casualties during the Russian Offensive

The War is not over by Christmas With the massive offensives brought to a halt, both sides need to regroup. In order to hold their current positions, both sides begin to build defensive trenches. Over 600 miles of trenches will be created These trenches will be fought over for the next 3 years.