🔹 Introduction
World War I (1914–1918), also known as the Great War, was one of the most transformative events of the 20th century. It not only reshaped the political map of Europe but also had profound consequences on colonies like India. For UPSC Mains (GS1: World History) and Prelims, World War I remains an evergreen topic, as it links colonial history, nationalism, and global geopolitics.
🔹 Causes of World War I
The outbreak of the war was the result of a complex mix of immediate triggers and long-term rivalries:
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Militarism – Aggressive arms race among European powers.
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Alliances – Entangled system of Triple Entente (Britain, France, Russia) vs. Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy).
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Imperialism – Scramble for colonies led to tensions in Africa and Asia.
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Nationalism – Balkan nationalism (Serbia, Bosnia) threatened Austro-Hungarian dominance.
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Immediate Trigger – Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (1914) in Sarajevo.
🔹 Impacts of World War I
Political Impacts
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Collapse of monarchies in Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, Ottoman Empire.
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Emergence of USA as a global power.
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Creation of League of Nations for peacekeeping (failed experiment).
Economic Impacts
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Massive war debts and economic depression in Europe.
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Britain lost its financial dominance; USA became the new economic center.
Social Impacts
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Heavy casualties (approx. 20 million deaths).
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Rise of war literature, propaganda, and new ideologies.
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Role of women in workforce expanded.
Impact on India
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India supplied over 1 million soldiers and financial support.
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Raised expectations of self-rule, but British betrayal (Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh) led to intensified freedom struggle.
🔹 Significance in World History
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Laid the foundation for World War II due to harsh Treaty of Versailles.
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Triggered spread of Communism (Russian Revolution 1917).
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Inspired anti-colonial movements worldwide.
🔹 UPSC PYQs on World War I
Prelims (2015): The ‘Economic and Social Council of the UN’ was formed as a successor to which League of Nations body?
(Answer: Economic and Financial Committee)
Mains (GS1, 2017): “What were the economic and political consequences of World War I? How did they shape international relations in the 20th century?”
Mains (GS1, 2021): “Explain the impact of the First World War on Indian freedom struggle.”
🔹 Answer Writing Practice
Q (GS1, 2021): Explain the impact of the First World War on Indian freedom struggle.
Introduction:
The First World War (1914–1918) was a turning point in Indian nationalism. India’s extensive participation in the war raised expectations of political concessions from the British.
Body (Points):
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Military contribution: 1.3 million soldiers, huge war loans.
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Expectations vs Reality: Hopes for reforms, but British repression (Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh).
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Rise of leaders & movements: Gandhi’s non-cooperation, Home Rule Movement by Tilak and Annie Besant.
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Ideological shift: Nationalism became more mass-based and radical.
Conclusion:
World War I transformed India’s struggle from elite-led petitions to a mass movement demanding Swaraj, laying the path for Gandhian leadership.
🔹 Current Relevance
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The Russia-Ukraine war (2022–present) has drawn parallels with World War I – alliances, trench warfare, economic sanctions.
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Rise of multipolarity and challenges to Western hegemony echo the rivalries of pre-1914 Europe.
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India’s role in global diplomacy today reflects lessons from colonial exploitation during the wars.
🔹 Conclusion
World War I was more than just a European conflict—it was a worldwide turning point that reshaped geopolitics, economics, and colonial struggles. For UPSC aspirants, studying the Great War is essential not just for GS1 (World History), but also for linking it with GS2 (IR), GS3 (Economy), and Essay Paper.
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