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World War I – Causes, Course, and Consequences.

 Introduction

World War I (1914–1918), also called the Great War, reshaped global politics, society, and economy. Known as the “war to end all wars,” it destroyed old empires, created new nation-states, and laid the foundation for World War II. For UPSC, WWI is crucial under GS1 (World History), with direct PYQ references.



Causes of World War I

  1. Militarism – Arms race, German naval buildup.

  2. Alliances – Triple Entente vs. Triple Alliance.

  3. Imperialism – Competition in Africa & Asia.

  4. Nationalism – Balkan crisis, Pan-Slavism.

  5. Immediate trigger – Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (June 1914).

Course of the War

  • Western Front: Trench warfare, Battle of Somme, Verdun.

  • Eastern Front: Russia vs. Germany/Austria.

  • Global theatre: Ottoman Empire, colonies of Asia & Africa drawn in.

  • US entry (1917): Shifted balance toward Allies.

  • Russian Revolution (1917): Withdrawal of Russia from war.

  • Armistice (11 November 1918): End of fighting.

Consequences of WWI

  • Political: Collapse of empires (Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, German, Russian).

  • Economic: Massive destruction, global depression roots.

  • Social: Rise of women in workforce, disillusionment with war.

  • Diplomatic: Treaty of Versailles (1919), League of Nations.

  • Colonial world: Strengthened independence movements in India, Egypt, Vietnam.

Link to UPSC PYQs

  • UPSC GS1 Mains 2017: “The First World War was fought not only on the battlefields but also in minds and hearts of people. Explain.”

  • UPSC Prelims 2018: Treaty of Versailles related question.

  • UPSC GS1 Mains 2015: “The First World War saw the rise of a new international order. Discuss.”

Answer Writing Practice (Mains Style)

Q. The First World War was fought not only on the battlefields but also in minds and hearts of people. (2017 GS1)

Framework:

  • Intro: Beyond battles → mass mobilization, propaganda.

  • Body:

    • Civilians involved through rationing, war bonds.

    • Psychological trauma → “Lost Generation.”

    • Rise of nationalism in colonies.

  • Conclusion: WWI was a total war involving societies, economies, and ideologies.

Current Relevance

  • Proxy wars & alliances (Ukraine war, Middle East).

  • Nationalism vs. global cooperation remains central in geopolitics.

  • UN & multilateralism are still tested like the League of Nations was.

Conclusion

World War I was not just a war of trenches—it was a war of ideas, identities, and empires. Its lessons remain vital for UPSC aspirants to link history with contemporary global affairs.

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Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

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