World War 1 has begun. Countries participating in the First World War. Armament and military equipment

In 1914, in the world and, above all, on the European continent, the First World War. It is very difficult to describe it briefly and at the same time fully, because neither Europe nor the rest of the planet has known such a conflict in the entire history of its existence. This war revealed to the world peculiar innovations of a completely different nature: the first tanks, the use of chemical gases, the tactics of trench warfare, the massacre for a large-scale redistribution of territories around the world, and, finally, an unprecedented number of parties who took part in it.

Briefly about the prerequisites

At the beginning of the century, very serious contradictions arose in Europe between the most influential states of that time. The backbone of the Entente countries consisted of states that survived quite early and by this time had taken a very advantageous position in the world economic, naval and, above all, France and England. In contrast to them, Germany reached its maximum development, having barely completed the industrial revolution, but did not manage to reach the table of division of colonial possessions. A discrepancy was established between the potential and the real role of Germany, in which for several decades on the eve of the war, aggressive pan-Germanist sentiments were growing. Its natural allies were the opponents of England and France, and, secondarily, Russia. So, for example, Austria-Hungary and Turkey had their own interest in the Balkans, where during this period actively

Russia was confirmed. The First World War, in short, was the inevitable consequence of growing contradictions. Thus, conflict was inevitable sooner or later.

World War I: briefly about the occasion

The formal reason for opening fire was the assassination of the Austrian Archduke by Serbian separatists in Sarajevo in June 1914. put forward a very harsh ultimatum to Serbia, with which the government of the Balkan country almost completely agreed, except for the point on the participation of Austrian delegates in the internal Serbian investigation and the search for the perpetrators - this already affected the sovereignty of the Serbian side. In fact, the Habsburgs only needed a pretext to start a war, and they declared it on July 28, giving rise to bloody events.

World War I: course (briefly) of hostilities

The fighting continued for more than four years and ended only in November 1918. At the first stage of the war, the states of the Triple

union: the Germans already in August were practically near Paris, but the entry into the conflict of Japan and a number of other states led to a prolongation of the clash. Gradually, the war took on an exhausting trench character, where none of the sides of the Western Front (French - Germans) could gain advantages. The latter even had to fight on two fronts, dispersing their forces in the east in the fight against the armies of the Romanovs. The forces of the Habsburg Empire quickly demonstrated their archaism both technically, and administratively, and morally. In March 1918, US troops came to the Western Front to help the French, after which the German forces gradually begin to retreat from the territory of their neighbor. In early October, the situation for the Hohenzollerns (German rulers) became so complicated that Wilhelm II was forced to recognize himself as the underdog on November 11, when 1918 was on.

World War I: results (briefly)

This conflict became the most massive at that time. 38 states and more than 74 million people participated in it, of which about 10 million were killed and even more maimed. But the main result of the war was the system of the Versailles agreements, which put the defeated countries in a humiliating position, primarily Germany, and led to the next world war. As a result of these same agreements, the last empires were destroyed, and the triumph of nation-states was finally approved in Europe. Another most important result of the worldwide slaughter was the people's revolutions in Germany, and especially in Russia.

Today no one remembers when it was World War I who fought with whom and because of what the conflict itself began. But millions of soldiers' graves all over Europe and modern Russia do not allow to forget about this bloody page of history, including our state.

Causes and inevitability of war.

The beginning of the last century was quite tense - revolutionary sentiments in the Russian Empire with regular demonstrations and terrorist attacks, local military conflicts in the southern part of Europe, the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the exaltation of Germany.

All this did not happen in one day, the situation developed and escalated over decades and no one knew how to “blow off steam” and at least delay the start of hostilities.

By and large, each country had unsatisfied ambitions and claims against its neighbors, which, in the old fashioned way, they wanted to solve with the help of force of arms. It's just that they didn't take into account the fact that technical progress gave real "infernal machines" into human hands, the use of which led to a bloody massacre. It was with these words that veterans described many battles of that period.

The balance of power in Europe.

But in a war there are always two conflicting sides that are trying to get their way. During WWI, these were Entente and Central Powers.

In unleashing a conflict, it is customary to place all the blame on the losing side, so let's start with it. to the list of Central Powers on different stages wars included:

• Germany.
• Austria-Hungary.
• Turkey.
• Bulgaria.

There were only three states in the Entente:

• Russian empire.
• France.
• England.

Both alliances were formed at the end of the nineteenth century, and for some time they balanced the political and military forces in Europe.

The realization of the inevitable major war on several fronts at the same time often stopped them from making hasty decisions, but the situation could not continue like this for a long time.

What started World War I?

The first state to announce the start of hostilities was Austro-Hungarian Empire. As enemy spoke Serbia, which sought to unite under its command all the Slavs in the southern region. Apparently, this policy was not particularly liked by the restless neighbor, who did not want to get a powerful confederation at his side that could jeopardize the very existence of Austria-Hungary.

Reason for declaring war was the murder of the heir to the imperial throne, who was shot dead by Serbian nationalists. Theoretically, this would have ended - this is not the first time that two countries in Europe have declared war on each other and, with varying success, carried out offensive or defensive operations. But the fact is that Austria-Hungary was only a protege of Germany, which had long wanted to reshape the world order in its favor.

The reason was failed colonial policy of the country who got involved in this fight too late. One of the advantages of having a huge number of dependent states was a market that was practically unlimited. Industrialized Germany desperately needed such a bonus, but could not get it. It was impossible to resolve the issue peacefully, the neighbors safely received their profits and did not burn with the desire to share with someone.

But the defeat in hostilities and the signing of surrender could somewhat change the situation.

Allied Member States.

From the above lists, it can be concluded that no more than 7 countries, but why then is the war called the World War? The fact is that each of the blocks had allies who entered the war or left it at certain stages:

1. Italy.
2. Romania.
3. Portugal.
4. Greece.
5. Australia.
6. Belgium.
7. Japanese empire.
8. Montenegro.

These countries have not made a decisive contribution to overall victory, but we must not forget their active participation in the war on the side of the Entente.

In 1917, the United States joined this list, after another attack by a German submarine on a passenger ship.

The results of the war for the main participants.

Russia was able to fulfill the minimum plan for this war - ensure the protection of the Slavs in Southern Europe . But the main goal was much more ambitious: control over the Black Sea straits could make our country a truly great maritime power.

But to divide Ottoman Empire and the then leadership failed to get a few of its most “tasty” fragments. And given the social tension in the country and the subsequent revolution, slightly different problems arose. The Austro-Hungarian Empire also ceased to exist - the worst economic and political consequences for the initiator.

France and England were able to gain a foothold in leading positions in Europe, thanks to impressive indemnities from Germany. But Germany was waiting for hyperinflation, the abandonment of the army, a severe crisis with the fall of several regimes. This led to the desire for revenge and the NSDAP at the head of state. But the United States was able to capitalize on this conflict, incurring minimal losses.

Do not forget about what the First World War is, who fought with whom and what horrors it brought to society. The growth of tension and the conflict of interests may once again lead to such irreparable consequences.

Video about the First World War

On June 28, 1914, the assassination of the Austro-Hungarian Archduke Ferdinand and his wife was committed in Bosnia, in which Serbia was accused of involvement. And although the British statesman Edward Gray called for a settlement of the conflict, offering the 4 largest powers as mediators, by doing this he only managed to aggravate the situation more and draw the whole of Europe, including Russia, into the war.

Nearly a month later, Russia announces troop mobilization and conscription after Serbia turns to it for help. However, what was originally planned as a precautionary measure provoked a backlash from Germany with demands for an end to conscription. As a result, on August 1, 1914, Germany declares war on Russia.

Major events of the First World War.

Years of the First World War.

• When did World War I start? The year of the beginning of the First World War is 1914 (July 28).
• When did World War II end? The year of the end of the First World War is 1918 (November 11).

Main dates of the First World War.

During the 5 years of the war there were many important events and operations, but among them there are several that played a decisive role in the war itself and its history.

• July 28 Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. Russia supports Serbia.
• August 1, 1914 Germany declares war on Russia. Germany in general has always strived for world domination. And throughout August, everyone puts ultimatums to each other and does nothing but declare war.
• In November 1914, Great Britain begins a naval blockade of Germany. Gradually, in all countries, an active mobilization of the population into the army begins.
• At the beginning of 1915, large-scale offensive operations were unfolding in Germany, on its eastern front. The spring of the same year, namely April, can be associated with such significant event as the beginning of the use of chemical weapons. Again from Germany.
• In October 1915 against Serbia unleashed fighting from Bulgaria. In response to these actions, the Entente declares war on Bulgaria.
• In 1916, the use of tank technology begins, mainly by the British.
• In 1917, Nicholas II abdicates the throne in Russia, a provisional government comes to power, which leads to a split in the army. Active hostilities continue.
• In November 1918, Germany proclaims itself a republic - the result of the revolution.
• November 11, 1918, in the morning, Germany signs the Armistice of Compiègne and from that very day the hostilities end.

End of the First World War.

Despite the fact that for most of the war, German troops were able to deliver serious blows to the Allied army, by December 1, 1918, the Allies were able to break through to the borders of Germany and begin its occupation.

Later, on June 28, 1919, having no other choice, the German representatives signed a peace treaty in Paris, eventually called the "Peace of Versailles", and put an end to the First World War.

Contemporaries said that this would be a war that would put an end to all wars, and they were greatly mistaken. World War I began on August 1, 1914 with a provocation and regicide and ended with the first Compiègne truce on November 11, 1918. The influence on the territories and countries that participated in the war was so great that it became possible to sum up its results and conclude the Treaty of Versailles only in the middle of the next, 1919 of the year. Six out of ten people across the planet have experienced this war in one way or another. This is one of the dark pages in the history of mankind.

They say she was inevitable. The disagreements between the future participants were too strong, leading to constantly creating and collapsing alliances. The most inconsistent was precisely Germany, which almost at the same time tried to turn Great Britain against France and organize a continental blockade of Britain itself.

Prerequisites for World War I

If you look at the positions from which the countries were involved in the First World War of 1914-1918, the reasons, in fact, will lie on the surface. England, France and Austria-Hungary at the beginning of the twentieth century sought to redistribute the world map. The main reason for this was the collapse of colonialism and prosperity only at the expense of its own satellites. The main European powers were faced with a difficult choice, since the resources important for the economy and prosperity of the country (primarily its elite) could no longer be taken away from India or Africa.

The only thing Possible Solution hid precisely in military conflicts for raw materials, labor and territories for life. Major conflicts that flared up on the basis of territorial claims were as follows:

What started the war

It is very clear to say when World War I (WWI) started. At the end of June 1914, on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the city of Sarajevo, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire Franz Ferdinand was killed. It was a provocation on the part of the Austrians and, with the active participation of British diplomats and the press, a reason for the escalation of the conflict in the Balkans.

The killer was a Serbian terrorist, a member of the extremist organization "Black Hand" (otherwise called "Unity or Death") Gavrilo Princip. This organization, along with other similar underground movements, attempted to spread nationalist sentiment throughout the Balkan Peninsula in response to the 1908 annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by Austria-Hungary, setting off the Bosnian crisis.

There have already been several assassination attempts on the account of such formations. both successful and unsuccessful, prominent politicians empire and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The day of the assassination attempt on the Archduke was not chosen by chance, because on June 28 he was supposed to participate in events dedicated to the anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389. Such events on this date were considered by many Bosnians a direct insult to their national pride.

In addition to the assassination of the Archduke, these days there were several attempts to liquidate public figures who opposed the outbreak of hostilities. So, a few days before June 28, an unsuccessful attempt was made on the life of Grigory Rasputin, known, among other things, for his anti-war sentiments and great influence at the court of Emperor Nicholas II. And the next day, June 29, Jean Jaures was killed. This was an influential French politician and public figure who fought against imperialist sentiments, colonialism and, like Rasputin, spoke ardent opponent war.

British influence

After the tragic events in Sarajevo, the two largest powers in Europe - Germany and the Russian Empire - tried to avoid an open military confrontation. But this situation did not suit the British at all and diplomatic levers were put into play. So, after the murder of Franz Ferdinand by Princip, the English press openly began to call the Serbs barbarians and call on the top of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to give them a decisive and tough answer. At the same time, through the ambassador, they created pressure on Russian emperor, calling on Serbia to provide all possible assistance if Austria-Hungary decides on any provocations.

And she made up her mind. Almost a month after the successful assassination attempt on the heir, Serbia was presented with demands that were impossible to fulfill. For example, one of its points was the admission of police officers to the territory of a foreign state. The Serbs did not accept only this point, which, as expected, served as a declaration of war. Moreover, the first bombs fell on its capital the very next morning, which clearly indicated the readiness of the Austro-Hungarians to fight immediately.

The Russian Empire, which has always been considered a shield of Orthodoxy and Slavism, had, after unsuccessful attempts at a diplomatic ceasefire, to declare the mobilization of the entire country. Thus, Russia's participation in the First World War was inevitable.

The course of the war

After a series of provocations, hotbed of military conflict began to flare up even faster. In about six months, two main military alliances were formed that took part in the confrontation:

Events of 1914

There were several major theaters of war- the war blazed in France, in Russia, in the Balkans, the Middle East and the Caucasus and in the former colonies of Europe. german plan"Schlieffen", meaning lightning war, lunch in Paris and dinner in St. Petersburg, failed due to Germany's systematic underestimation of its rivals and repeated revision of the strategic tables. In general, the vast majority of the participants in the war were absolutely sure of its imminent end, confidently speaking about the possibility of winning in a few months. No one expected the conflict to take on such proportions, especially on the Western Front.

First, Germany occupied Luxembourg and Belgium. At the same time, the French invasion of Alsace and Lorraine, which was important for them, was unfolding, where, after successful actions german army, which held back, and then reversed the offensive, the situation changed dramatically. The French, instead of capturing their historical territories, ceded part of their land without putting up a strong enough resistance. After the events called by historians the "Run to the Sea" and the holding by France of its most important ports, a period of trench warfare followed. The confrontation severely exhausted both sides.

Eastern front was opened by an offensive on the territory of Prussia by Russian troops on August 17, and the very next day a major victory was won over the Austro-Hungarians in the Battle of Galicia. This made it possible to withdraw the empire from the confrontation with Russia for a long time.

Serbia this year drove the Austrians out of Belgrade and firmly occupied it. Japan declared war on the Triple Alliance and launched a campaign to take control of the German island colonies. At the same time, in the Caucasus, Turkey entered the war with Russia, entering into a coalition with the Austrians and Germans. Thus, she cut off the country from the allies and involved in hostilities on the Caucasian front.

The failure of Russia in 1915

On the Russian front, the situation worsened. The army was poorly prepared for an offensive in the winter, failed it and received a counter-offensive operation from the Germans in the middle of the year. Poorly organized supply of troops led to a large-scale retreat, the Germans carried out the Gorlitsky breakthrough and, as a result, first received Galicia, and then a significant part of Polish territory. After that, the stage of trench warfare began, largely due to the same reasons as in the west.

In the same year, on May 23, Italy entered the war with Austria-Hungary, which led to the collapse of the coalition. However, Bulgaria, which took part in the confrontation on its side in the same year, not only marked the rapid formation of a new union, but also accelerated the fall of Serbia.

Key moments in 1916

During this year of the war, one of its largest battles continued - battle of verdun. Because of its scale, the nature of the collisions and the consequences, it was called the Verdun meat grinder. This is where the flamethrower was used for the first time. The losses of all troops amounted to over a million people. At the same time, the Russian army launched an offensive known as the Brusilovsky breakthrough, pulling significant German forces away from Verdun and easing the Entente's situation in the region.

The year was also marked by the largest naval battle- Jutland, after which the Entente fulfilled its main goal - to dominate the region. Some members of the enemy tried even then to agree on peace negotiations.

1917: Russia's exit from the war

1917 was rich in major events in the war. It was already obvious who would win. It is worth noting The 3 most important moments for understanding the situation:

• The United States, after waiting for time, joined the obvious winner - the Entente.
• The revolution in Russia actually brought her out of the war.
• Germany uses submarines, hoping thereby to turn the tide of battles.

1918: German capitulation

The exit from active hostilities of Russia facilitated the situation of Germany, because without Eastern Front she could concentrate her energies on more important things. Was imprisoned Brest Peace, occupied parts of the Baltic region and the territory of Poland. After that, active operations began on the Western Front, which were not crowned with success for her. Other participants began to withdraw from the Quarter Union and conclude peace treaties with the enemy. In Germany, a revolution began to flare up, forcing the emperor to leave the country. The end of the active phase of hostilities can be considered the signing of the act of surrender of Germany on November 11, 1918.

If we talk about the results of the First World, then for almost all participating countries they were with a minus sign. Briefly on points:

It is worth noting that even then the prerequisites for the Second World War began to take shape. It was only a matter of time before a leader emerged who would rally the revenge-hungry inhabitants of defeated Germany.

Allies (Entente): France, Great Britain, Russia, Japan, Serbia, USA, Italy (participated in the war on the side of the Entente since 1915).

Friends of the Entente (supported the Entente in the war): Montenegro, Belgium, Greece, Brazil, China, Afghanistan, Cuba, Nicaragua, Siam, Haiti, Liberia, Panama, Honduras, Costa Rica.

Question about the causes of the First World War has been one of the most discussed in world historiography since the outbreak of the war in August 1914.

The beginning of the war was facilitated by the widespread strengthening of nationalist sentiments. France hatched plans for the return of the lost territories of Alsace and Lorraine. Italy, even being in alliance with Austria-Hungary, dreamed of returning her lands to Trentino, Trieste and Fiume. The Poles saw in the war an opportunity to rebuild a state that had been destroyed sections XVIII century. Many peoples who inhabited Austria-Hungary aspired to national independence. Russia was convinced that it could not develop without limiting German competition, protecting the Slavs from Austria-Hungary, and expanding influence in the Balkans. In Berlin, the future was associated with the defeat of France and Great Britain and the unification of the countries of Central Europe under the leadership of Germany. In London, it was believed that the people of Great Britain would live in peace only by crushing the main enemy - Germany.

In addition, international tensions were exacerbated by a series of diplomatic crises - the Franco-German clash in Morocco in 1905-1906; the Austrian annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908-1909; Balkan wars in 1912-1913.

The immediate cause for the war was the Sarajevo massacre. June 28, 1914 Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand, nineteen-year-old Serbian student Gavrilo Princip, who was a member of the secret organization "Young Bosnia", fighting to unite all South Slavic peoples in one state.

July 23, 1914 Austria-Hungary, enlisting the support of Germany, presented an ultimatum to Serbia and demanded that its military formations be allowed into the territory of Serbia in order to stop hostile actions together with the Serbian forces.

Serbia's response to the ultimatum did not satisfy Austria-Hungary, and July 28, 1914 she declared war on Serbia. Russia, having received assurances of support from France, openly opposed Austria-Hungary and July 30, 1914 announced a general mobilization. Germany, taking advantage of this occasion, announced August 1, 1914 Russian war, and August 3, 1914- France. After the German invasion August 4, 1914 Britain declared war on Germany in Belgium.

The First World War consisted of five campaigns. During first campaign in 1914 Germany invaded Belgium and northern France, but was defeated at the Battle of the Marne. Russia took part East Prussia and Galicia (East Prussian operation and the Battle of Galicia), but then was defeated as a result of the German and Austro-Hungarian counter-offensive.

Campaign of 1915 associated with the entry into the war of Italy, the disruption German plan withdrawal of Russia from the war and bloody inconclusive battles on the Western Front.

Campaign of 1916 associated with the entry into the war of Romania and the conduct of an exhausting positional war on all fronts.

Campaign of 1917 connected with the US entry into the war, Russia's revolutionary withdrawal from the war, and a number of successive offensive operations on the Western Front (Operation Nivelle, operations in the Messines region, on Ypres, near Verdun, near Cambrai).

Campaign of 1918 characterized by a transition from positional defense to a general offensive of the Entente armed forces. From the second half of 1918, the Allies prepared and deployed retaliatory offensive operations(Amiens, Saint-Miyel, Marne), during which the results of the German offensive were liquidated, and in September 1918 they went on the general offensive. By November 1, 1918, the allies liberated the territory of Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, entered the territory of Bulgaria after the armistice and invaded the territory of Austria-Hungary. On September 29, 1918, Bulgaria signed a truce with the Allies, on October 30, 1918 - Turkey, on November 3, 1918 - Austria-Hungary, on November 11, 1918 - Germany.

June 28, 1919 signed at the Paris Peace Conference Treaty of Versailles with Germany, officially ending the First World War of 1914-1918.

On September 10, 1919, the Treaty of Saint-Germain was signed with Austria; November 27, 1919 - Treaty of Neuilly with Bulgaria; June 4, 1920 - Treaty of Trianon with Hungary; August 20, 1920 - Treaty of Sevres with Turkey.

In total, the First World War lasted 1568 days. 38 states participated in it, in which 70% of the world's population lived. The armed struggle was carried out on the fronts with a total length of 2500-4000 km. The total losses of all warring countries amounted to about 9.5 million people killed and 20 million people wounded. At the same time, the losses of the Entente amounted to about 6 million people killed, the losses of the Central Powers were about 4 million people killed.

During the First World War, for the first time in history, tanks, aircraft, submarines, anti-aircraft and anti-tank guns, mortars, grenade launchers, bomb throwers, flamethrowers, super-heavy artillery, hand grenades, chemical and smoke shells, poisonous substances were used. New types of artillery appeared: anti-aircraft, anti-tank, infantry escorts. Aviation became an independent branch of the armed forces, which began to be subdivided into reconnaissance, fighter and bomber. There were tank troops, chemical troops, air defense troops, naval aviation. The role of the engineering troops increased and the role of the cavalry decreased.

The results of the First World War were the liquidation of four empires: German, Russian, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman, the latter two being divided, and Germany and Russia were cut down territorially. As a result, new independent states appeared on the map of Europe: Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Yugoslavia, and Finland.

The material was prepared on the basis of information from open sources