When did the First World War start and end? This pivotal conflict, which reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the 20th century, began on July 28, 1914, and concluded on November 11, 1918. Spanning four years and three months, the war left an indelible mark on the world, resulting in unprecedented loss of life and altering the course of history.
The immediate trigger for the First World War was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian nationalist, Gavrilo Princip, in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914. This event ignited a complex network of alliances and rivalries that had been simmering beneath the surface of European politics. The Austro-Hungarian Empire declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914, marking the official start of the conflict.
The war was fought on multiple fronts, including the Western Front, the Eastern Front, the Italian Front, and the Middle Eastern Front. The Western Front, which stretched across Belgium and northern France, became the site of some of the most brutal and costly battles in history. The Eastern Front saw intense fighting between the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire) and the Allied Powers (Russia, France, and the United Kingdom).
The First World War was characterized by trench warfare, with soldiers living in makeshift fortifications for years on end. The use of new technologies, such as machine guns, poison gas, and tanks, also played a significant role in the conflict. Despite the technological advancements, the war remained a war of attrition, with both sides suffering massive casualties.
The war took a heavy toll on the participating nations. The United Kingdom, France, and Russia lost millions of soldiers, and the economies of these countries were severely strained. The Central Powers also suffered significant losses, with Germany, in particular, facing dire consequences after the war.
The end of the First World War was marked by the signing of the Armistice of Compiègne on November 11, 1918. This armistice effectively ended the fighting on the Western Front and paved the way for the peace negotiations that would determine the fate of the defeated nations. The Treaty of Versailles, signed on June 28, 1919, imposed harsh penalties on Germany, including territorial losses, reparations, and military restrictions. The treaty is often cited as a contributing factor to the rise of Nazism and the onset of the Second World War.
In conclusion, the First World War started on July 28, 1914, and ended on November 11, 1918. This conflict had a profound impact on the world, reshaping borders, altering political alliances, and leading to significant social and economic changes. The war’s legacy continues to be felt today, as nations grapple with the consequences of a conflict that reshaped the course of history.
