Impact of the First World War

The First World War began on July 28 1914 and lasted until November 11 1918. All the world's great powers involved in the war. The nations were divided into two alliances namely, Triple Entente and Triple Alliance (also called Central Powers). The group of Triple Entente includes United Kingdom, France and Russia. Triple Alliance includes Germany, Austria and Italy.

Initially Italy refused to commit troops and did not enter into the war. Later a secret pact between Italy and Triple Entente was formed in London, also called as London pact. According to the pact, Italy was promised the territory on the Dalmatian coast, Southern Tyrol and Julian March on defeating Austria. Thus, Italy came out of Triple Alliance and joined the Triple Entente.

United States initially followed the policy of non-intervention but later joined the war against Germany as their ships were damaged leading to the death of many passengers. Romania, Japan, Serbia, Belgium, Greece and some other countries joined with Triple Entente. Turkey (The Ottoman Empire) joined the war on the side of Triple Alliance.

60 million from Europe and ultimately more than 70 million military personnel were mobilised in this war. Increase in lethality of weapons, this deadliest conflict took lives of more than 9 million combatants. Finally Triple Entente (the allied powers) won the war and subsequently series of treaties were confirmed.

Every nation participated in the war were economically ruined. Huge destruction took place in Europe and Asia.

Peace is the prerequisite for trade. Trade and commerce was badly affected with no peace due to war.

Europe map underwent many changes. Many new territories like Hungary, Romania, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia were created.

First World War brought an end to four greatest dynasties of Europe. Romanov of Russia, Hohenzollern of Germany, Hapsburg of Austria, Ottoman of Turkey were ceased to exist.

Totalitarian regimes of Hitler in Germany, Mussolini in Italy, Stalin in Russia, etc came into being.

League of Nations an international organization was formed; its principal mission was to maintain world peace. Settling international disputes and preventing wars were the primary goals of this organization.