Module 25
World War I
World War I, a global conflict that changed the course of history, began in 1914
and lasted for four long years. This war involved a large number of nations, and
was one of the deadliest conflicts in human history.
by Shady Ahmed Abozaid
Rising Tensions in Europe
1 Nationalism 2 Imperialism 3 Militarism
Nationalism, a strong sense of European nations competed for Military buildup and glorification of
attachment to one's nation, fueled control over vast territories in Africa, war played a significant role in
rivalry and competition among leading to further tensions. escalating tensions across Europe.
European countries.
Tangled Alliances
Triple Alliance Triple Entente
Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy formed the Triple Alliance to Britain, France, and Russia joined forces in the Triple Entente to
protect their interests. counter the Triple Alliance.
Crisis in the Balkans
1 Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire, which had controlled the Balkans for
centuries, was weakening and losing territories.
2 Austria-Hungary
Austria-Hungary sought to expand its influence in the Balkans
and took control of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
3 Serbian Nationalism
Serbia, a new nation in the Balkans, aimed to unite Slavic
peoples and resisted Austria-Hungary's dominance.
4 Assassination
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the
Austro-Hungarian throne, by a Serbian nationalist, sparked the
war.
Lesson 2
Europe Plunges into
War
Austria-Hungary Declares War
1 Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia after the assassination
of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
Russia Mobilizes
2 Russia, a close ally of Serbia, mobilized its troops to defend
Serbia, further escalating tensions.
Germany Declares War
Germany, allied with Austria-Hungary, declared war on Russia and
3
France, bringing the full force of its military might into the
conflict.
Great Britain Enters
Great Britain, after Germany invaded neutral Belgium, joined the
4
war, solidifying the alliances and widening the scope of the
conflict.
The Great War Begins
Allies Central Powers
France Germany
Britain Austria-Hungary
Russia Ottoman Empire
Italy Bulgaria
A Bloody Stalemate
Trench Warfare New Weapons Casualties
Soldiers fought from trenches, creating The war witnessed the introduction of Trench warfare and advanced
a stalemate and enduring brutal new weapons such as machine guns, weaponry led to massive casualties,
conditions. The war became a bloody tanks, and poison gas, causing with millions of soldiers losing their
and protracted affair. devastating casualties. lives.
The Battle on the
Eastern Front
Russian Weakness Russian Strength
Russia, with an underdeveloped Despite challenges, Russia's vast
industrial economy, struggled to population allowed it to field a large
supply its troops, leading to setbacks. army that posed a constant threat to
Germany.