Outbreak of World War I and Its Aftermath

Outbreak of World War I and Its Aftermath

Learning Objectives

To acquaint ourselves with

• The race for colonies leading to rivalry and clashes among the great powers of Europe

• Emergence of Japan as the strongest and most aggressive power in East Asia

• Colonialism's impact on Africa

• Causes, course and results of the First World War

• Treaty of Versailles and its provisions

• Causes, course and outcome of the Russian Revolution

• Foundation, functioning and failure of the League of Nations

Introduction

1914 is a turning point in world history. The political and social processes that began in 1789 culminated in the First World War that broke out in that year and decisively shaped the course of the twentieth century. Historians therefore call this as ‘the long nineteenth century’. This was the first industrial war that drew on the economic resources of the entire world, and also affected large sections of the civilian population. The political map of the world was redrawn. Three major empires lay shattered by the end of the War: Germany, Austria–Hungary, and the Ottomans. The biggest outcome of the War was the Russian Revolution. It was a unique event as well as the first revolution of its kind in world history. For the first time, countries tried to bring about world peace through the League of Nations. In this lesson, we discuss the circumstances leading to the outbreak of the First World War and its repercussions, including the Russian Revolution and the formation of an international peace organisation, namely the League of Nations.