The Great World War I

Introduction

The First World War, known at the time as the Great War, was the first war to engage the entire European continent since Napoleon was defeated in 1815. It produced worldwide social and political upheaval. The war involved over 70 million combatants and ended in the death of between nine and 12 million people. By its end, the economy of Europe was devastated and its governments either overthrown or reorganized. After it was over, many hoped that it would be "the war to end all wars." The World War 1 ended in Western Europe on November 11, 1918. After the war ended the political, social and economic conditions changed in Asia, and Africa, Europe and in other countries. When the war the economic impact was very negative as many jobs which at first were being performed by skill laborers, were now be performed by women and children. Although on the other hand the industries flourished at a large rate as more weapons were being made and industries were gaining profit as a result of it. Due to war, the economy damaged to a higher rate. Due to World war Britain's role in trade was diminished and damaged.

Internationally, the period before 1914 was one of heightened tensions between the "Great Powers" and great change. Nationalist movements, strengthened by an increasing awareness of ethnic identity, added to the instability. The Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires struggled to come to grips with their citizens' desire for self-determination, and an arms race among the nation-states of Germany, Britain, France, and Russia heightened the conflict. The war had several causes. Great Britain sought to preserve her empire and control of the seas; France fought against German dominance and for return of her lost territories of Alsace and Lorraine. Japan sought to expand its territory as did Italy. China looked for the return of territory lost in the Boxer Rebellion. The Americans entered, belatedly, when the Wilson administration convinced the nation to make the world safe for democracy. The violation of freedom of the seas and the loss of American lives in U-boat attacks stiffened the country's resolve to join the war (Hickel, pp. 95).

Discussion

American neutrality did not prevent it from filling British and French war orders, as business boomed. The Central Powers protested American shipments to Britain, but trade was not against international neutrality laws. Germany was free to trade with the ...