The goals of the main participants in the First World War. Causes and goals of the First World War


GOALS OF THE STATES PARTICIPATING IN THE WAR All the great European powers that participated in the First World War pursued their own, and selfish, goals: Germany claimed world domination and expansion of the colonial empire; Austria-Hungary wanted to establish control over the Balkans; England fought against the expansion of Germany's sphere of influence and sought to subjugate the territories of the Ottoman Empire; France sought to recapture Alsace and Lorraine, as well as seize the Saar coalfield in Germany; Russia sought to gain a foothold in the Balkans and the Middle East; Türkiye wanted to keep the Balkans under its rule and seize Crimea and Iran; Italy sought to establish its dominance in the Mediterranean.


THE BEGINNING OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR On June 28, 1914, in the capital of Serbia, Sarajevo, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated. The Austrian-Hungarian government presented Serbia with an ultimatum, according to which Austrian units were to enter the country. Serbia rejected the conditions presented. On July 28, 1914, war began between the two countries. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Duchess von Hohenberg in Sarajevo (28 June 1914).


THE BEGINNING OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR Russia demanded to leave Serbia alone. General mobilization began in the country. In response to this, on August 1, 1914, Germany declared war on Russia. Soon others joined the war large countries: France (August 3, 1914); Great Britain (4 August 1914); Japan (23 August 1914). Manifestation on Palace Square in anticipation of Nicholas II's announcement of the Manifesto on Russia's entry into the war.


WAR PLANS OF THE PARTIES At the beginning of the war, the Entente countries (Russia, France and England) were opposed by Germany, Austria-Hungary and Turkey. The German “Schlieffen Plan” envisaged the defeat of France in the first month of the war, and then a strike on Russia. Russia planned active fighting against Austria-Hungary and defense against Germany. England planned to blockade the German coast with its fleet and help the French on land.


CAMPAIGN OF 1914 At the beginning of the war, German troops, having broken through Belgium, began to approach Paris. On September 5–9, 1914, the French army was able to launch a counterattack on the Marne River and stop the German advance. The Western Front has stabilized. The enemy began building trenches, barbed wire and minefields. The war in the West became a “trench war”. Advance of German infantry. Advance of French infantry.


CAMPAIGN OF 1914 At the request of the Allies, Russia simultaneously launched two large offensive operations: in Galicia against the Austrians; in East Prussia against the Germans. The Galician operation was a success. The Russian army blocked Przemysl, the main fortress of the Austrians. The offensive in East Prussia ended for the Russian army with defeat at Tannenberg. Russian trenches on the Eastern Front.


CAMPAIGN OF 1915 Next year on Western Front went relatively smoothly. However, it was in 1915 that chemical weapons were used on the Western Front for the first time in the history of war. On April 22, 1915, the Germans attacked British positions with chlorine. Soldiers and officers were injured, of whom 5,000 died. Gas attack near Ypres (22 April 1915). German machine gunners in gas masks.


CAMPAIGN OF 1915 On the eastern front, the Germans decided to withdraw Russia from the war. As a result of their offensive, which lasted from May to September 1915, the Russian army suffered a painful defeat. She was forced to leave Galicia, Poland, Lithuania, Courland and part of Belarus. The front has stabilized on the Riga-Minsk-Chernivtsi line. However, it was not possible to bring Russia out of the war. Russian battery on the Eastern Front.


1916 CAMPAIGN In 1916, two major battles took place on the Western Front. One of them was the Battle of Verdun, which went down in the history of the First World War as the “Verdun Meat Grinder”. Between February 21 and July 21, 1916, both sides lost about soldiers and officers, but the front line did not change. The Germans never managed to take the last fortress on the way to Paris and decide the outcome of the war in their favor. "Verdun Meat Grinder" Verdun after the battle.


1916 CAMPAIGN Another major battle that determined the outcome of the 1916 campaign in the West was the Battle of the Somme. From June 26 to October 26, 1916, British and French troops made a number of attempts to break through the German defenses. Losses on both sides amounted to about people. However, the front line did not undergo significant changes. English tank from the First World War.


CAMPAIGN OF 1916 On the Eastern Front, on June 5, 1916, troops of the Southwestern Front under the command of General Brusilov broke through the Austro-Hungarian front and occupied an area of ​​sq. km. Austria-Hungary found itself on the brink of military disaster. Only the transfer of German troops from near Verdun and Austrian troops from Italy helped stop the Russian offensive in Galicia. General Brusilov and the actions of the Southwestern Front in the summer of 1916.


WAR AT SEA From the beginning of the war, the English fleet established a blockade of the German coast. In an effort to turn the tide at sea, Germany began a submarine war in 1915. The decisive naval battle of the First World War took place on May 31, 1916 in the North Sea. Despite the fact that the English fleet suffered heavy losses, the Germans were unable to break through the naval blockade. The sinking of the Lusitania (May 7, 1915). Battle of Jutland (May 31, 1916).


CAMPAIGN OF 1917 The course of the war on the Eastern Front changed dramatically February Revolution in Russia. Discipline in the army fell sharply. Desertion became widespread. The soldiers began to fraternize with the enemy. The Bolsheviks who came to power declared their desire to end the war and in December 1917 concluded a truce with the enemy. Poster dedicated to the February Revolution. Fraternization of Russian and German soldiers at the front.


1917 CAMPAIGN The most significant event of the war on the Western Front was the entry of the United States into it on April 6, 1917. A year later, American soldiers and officers were already fighting in Europe. The entry of the United States into the war, given its economic potential and untapped human resources, turned out to be one of the decisive factors in the victory of the Entente. American poster from the First World War.


CAMPAIGN OF 1918 On March 3, 1918, Russia and its opponents signed Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. According to its terms, Russia: renounces Ukraine, the Baltic states and Finland; disarms the army and navy; pays indemnity in marks. The seizure of a huge territory, which produced 32% of Russia's agricultural and 25% of industrial production, allowed Germany to hope for a final victory. Caricature of Leon Trotsky, who signed the Brest Peace Treaty. Russia's losses as a result of the Brest-Litovsk Treaty.


CAMPAIGN OF 1918 In 1918, after the failure of the next German offensive in the West, the outcome of the war was a foregone conclusion. During September-November 1918, Germany's allies signed an armistice with the Entente countries. On November 11, 1918, in the Compiegne Forest, German representatives signed the Compiegne Armistice. That's it for the first time World War ended The end of the First World War.

At the end of July 1914, a war began in Europe, which became one of the most large-scale armed conflicts in the entire history of mankind. More than nine million soldiers died. About five million civilians who found themselves under occupation were destroyed by disease, famine, and air raids. What goals did its participants pursue in the First World War? What preceded the armed conflict?

It is not easy to answer the question about the goals of the participants in the First World War. For some, it began as an act of retribution and punishment. For others, it became an armed conflict designed to end wars forever. It is not for nothing that it is called “Great”. Until 1914, humanity did not know larger-scale military operations. But the First War was followed by the Second, even more destructive, and after it many small armed conflicts around the world. Those who considered the goal of the First World War to be the establishment of peace in Europe were mistaken.

Prelude

Already at the beginning of the century, the upcoming war was often discussed in Europe. Neither politicians nor writers had any idea how large-scale it would be. Even the military did not know about this. From time to time, small military campaigns took place in Europe, but they all ended quite quickly, because they were, as a rule, waged against a weak enemy. Spears could not withstand machine guns, and ancient cannons could not withstand powerful ship guns.

Among the French, hatred of the Germans grew, which arose back in the 70s of the 19th century - after Bismarck signed an agreement according to which Alsace and almost all of Lorraine passed to Germany. Meanwhile, German ambitions grew in direct proportion to industrial development. They had no colonies, no maritime power, and no influence over Asian Muslims. To gain a dominant position in Europe was Germany's goal in the First World War.

Causes

What were the goals and plans of the participants in the First World War? This question is answered in different ways. Thomas Woodrow Wilson once said that it is futile to look for the reason why the European powers went to war in 1914.

An armed conflict always gives rise to rivalry, and the logic of anti-war sentiment cannot smooth it out. At the beginning of the 20th century it manifested itself in different ways. In France, irritation grew against Germany, which annexed its lands in 1871. The Germans looked with increasing confidence towards the eastern border, cherishing territorial ambitions. Nicholas II made plans for the Balkans. Austria-Hungary tried to maintain its fragile imperial structure.

What was the prevailing mood in Great Britain before the outbreak of the First World War? Political scientists were aware of Germany's goals in the upcoming armed conflict. British journalists and writers sounded the alarm: Germany's naval power was growing rapidly.

The Kaiser dreamed of equaling Great Britain in naval power, which became one of his goals in the First World War. Personnel The German Navy was increased by 15 thousand officers and soldiers. Churchill suggested taking a short break to build up military force, but the Germans did not support the idea. This happened in 1912. At the same time, Serbia won the war with Turkey, causing swipe according to the prestige of the Germans.

In 1913, Churchill again put forward a proposal to postpone the arms race. But this time the Kaiser did not heed the advice of the British Prime Minister. by that time it consisted of more than 600 thousand people. What goals did the participants in the First World War pursue? First of all, the satisfaction of insatiable territorial greed.

Assassination of the Habsburg heir

On 28 June 1914, Franz Ferdinand paid an official visit to Sarajevo. Among the onlookers who gathered to gaze at the Archduke, nineteen-year-old He was present and committed an act that served as the formal reason for the hostilities that soon engulfed significant part Europe.

The principle was not alone, but with accomplices. One of them threw a bomb at the Archduke's car. The first attempt was unsuccessful: the officers in the next car were injured. The wounded were taken to the hospital, and meanwhile the Archduke continued his trip. Gavrilo Principa He was annoyed that his accomplices were unable to complete the task. However, he ended up on the sidewalk, just ten meters from the Archduke’s car, completely by accident. Realizing that the target was moving straight towards him, he stepped forward and fired. The Archduke died from loss of blood. His wife, who accompanied him on his last trip, died with him.

Princip and his accomplices belonged to the terrorist organization Black Hand. They received weapons in Belgrade, then crossed the Austrian border into Bosnia. The victim of the conspirators was more than supportive of the interests of the national minorities inhabiting Austria-Hungary. Franz Ferdinand had a reputation politician, seeking to change the dual nature of the empire to a triple one by including the South Slavs in the union. However, the terrorists did not know about this.

July crisis

This term in history is usually understood as the largest diplomatic clash of European states that occurred in the summer of 1914. In order to answer the question about the goals of the First World War, it is necessary to understand what the so-called July crisis was.

So, on June 28, a high-profile murder was committed in Sarajevo. The Austria-Hungarian government reacted with lightning speed. Namely, it presented an ultimatum to Serbia, which contained a demand to find and punish those responsible for the murder of the Archduke. The investigation was able to establish quite quickly that the attackers were subjects of the Hamburg Empire. Politicians believed that Austrian sentiments could only be destroyed by force. In their opinion, the Serbian authorities did everything to undermine the monarchical influence on the Balkan Peninsula.

Serbia had a huge influence on the Slavs who lived in Austria-Hungary. Therefore, the authorities believed that any separatist sentiments constituted a threat to the existence of the imperial state. The Austro-Hungarian government used the assassination of the Archduke as a justification for military action against Serbia.

At the beginning of July, the German government began to seriously fear that demands on Serbia would lead to the Russian Empire entering into an armed conflict. And this, in turn, would serve as the beginning of large-scale military operations. The fears were justified. On July 28, Austria declared war on Serbia. This date is officially considered the beginning of the First World War. It is impossible to briefly outline the goals of the powers that took part in it. Many historical works and documentaries are devoted to this topic.

It is known that on July 29, the British Prime Minister proposed convening European heads of state in order to maintain peace. However, the rulers did not have the strength or desire to stop the impending catastrophe. On July 29, the threat of artillery fire loomed over Serbia. The Russian Empire announced the mobilization of a huge population. About six million people were drafted into the army. Although there was no declaration of war on Austria that day.

Negotiations between Germany and Russia

In order to avoid the First World War, whose goals for Russia were rather gloomy, Nicholas II sent a telegram to the Kaiser. The Russian Tsar maintained a friendly correspondence with the German ruler. The telegram, in which he asked to do everything possible to stop Austria-Hungary before it went too far, was signed by Nicholas II "Niki". The Kaiser responded to the Russian Tsar in the same spirit, promising to influence the Austrians and encourage them to reach an agreement with the Russian Empire. Under the answer to Nicholas II it was written - “Willy”.

After the Tsar received a telegram from the Kaiser, he replaced the general mobilization with a partial one. Later, the Kaiser advised Nicholas II not to enter into a military conflict, so as not to involve Europe in a bloody war. By the way, it was not possible to cancel the mobilization. It has already spread throughout the country. full swing. And soon news came to St. Petersburg that Germany was preparing for war. On July 30, Nicholas II signed an order for general mobilization. The Russian public hoped that this would stop the war.

Germany sent an ultimatum to Russia demanding that it stop mobilization, but it was refused. Then she turned to France with a request to maintain neutrality. But this time, too, a refusal was received. Germany was confident that the Russian army, which the Germans considered ponderous and clumsy, could be defeated quite quickly. But the opposing forces were too great.

In France in those days, about three million soldiers were already crowded into the barracks. This meant that while the German army would advance to Russia, in the west she will be dealt a crushing blow. Perhaps even defeat. And therefore one of the prominent German military leaders developed a plan according to which it was first necessary to defeat France and then attack the Russian Empire.

Participants

Before talking about further events, it is worth once again, and in a more condensed form, to outline the goals of the powers in the First World War. Two opposing camps into which the participants were divided: the Quadruple Alliance and the Entente. The first is Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria. The Entente is an alliance that includes Russia, France, and Britain.

Objectives of entry into the First World War

Germany sought to establish dominance first in Europe and then throughout the world. This was well known in Russia, Great Britain, and France. Over the course of several decades, the Germans built up their military power. For Austria, the goals and plans in the First World War were not so ambitious - to establish control over the Balkans.

Great Britain was haunted by certain lands of the Ottoman Empire, which by the beginning of the 20th century had weakened significantly. In addition, England sought to seize oil possessions located in Mesopotamia and Palestine. The goals were as follows: to weaken Germany, to establish dominance in Europe and, of course, to regain Alsace and Lorraine.

The Turks, who became allies of Germany, sought to seize Crimea, Iran and maintain control in the Balkans. What were Russia's goals in World War I? Just like France, it sought to weaken the influence of Germany. In addition, the Russian Empire needed free passage through the Dardanelles and Bosporus into the Mediterranean Sea. And, of course, increasing influence in the Balkans. These were the goals of countries in the First World War - a war that until 1939 was considered the most terrible, bloody, and large-scale in history.

1914

Military operations took place mainly in the French and Russian theaters of military operations. Battles were also fought in the Balkans, the Middle East, the Caucasus, China, Africa and Oceania. Every from participants in the First World War, their goals planned to achieve in just a few months. No one then imagined that the conflict would drag on for four years.

So Germany, according to the plan mentioned above, planned to capture Paris within 39 days and then immediately head east. One of the famous sayings of the German ruler: “Lunch will be in Paris, and dinner in St. Petersburg.” France intended to begin military operations with the return of Alsace and Lorraine.

The path of German troops to Paris ran through Belgium. On August 4, she captured the small state without much difficulty. True, the Belgian army unexpectedly put up quite powerful resistance, considering its numbers. But this, of course, could not delay the enemy for long. For the French, the invasion of Belgium came as a surprise, but they still managed to transfer their units quite quickly.

For some time, the French had to not only abandon the plan to return the lands once annexed by Germany, but also retreat. The German army was rapidly moving forward. The British retreated to the coast, the French were already preparing a dacha in the capital at the beginning of September. However, it ended in victory over Germany. This event had a significant impact on the further course of the war.

By the beginning of 1915, it became clear that Germany would not achieve its goals, and the armed conflict, contrary to the wishes of all its participants, would be protracted. The Germans captured Belgium and large areas of France. They failed to defeat the French within a month and go to Russia. The war promised to be long and exhausting.

Eastern front

In 1915, the retreat of the Russian army began. Galicia was lost. Until mid-spring, groups of Austrian troops were concentrated here. At the beginning of May, the enemy dealt a powerful blow to the Russian army. The Eastern Front shifted towards the Russian Empire. The withdrawal of Russian troops was completed at the end of August. During the second year of the war, Germany achieved significant military victories and captured enemy territory. But the general goal was never achieved.

1916-1918

On May 31, the Naval Battle of Jutland took place. There is still debate about who won it, Great Britain or Germany. However, the events that occurred in 1916 demonstrated the clear superiority of the Entente. In December, the German government proposed an alliance, but was refused. Over the next two years, Germany made several more attempts to capture France, but none of them were successful. The revolution that took place in Russia in 1917 had a significant impact on the course of subsequent events. The Germans concluded a truce with the new state.

Results

Not only the war itself turned out to be terrible, but also its consequences. New borders were established and long-term conflicts were provoked. The war changed the map of Europe. There was now no Russian, no German, no Ottoman empire. Neither was Austria-Hungary. The German economy has weakened greatly. The national humiliation experienced by the Germans led to revanchist sentiments, which gave rise to fascism.

After the end of the war, the world community realized: from now on armed conflicts will be total. The war led to an arms race - to obtaining weapons capable of destroying the entire world.

Evgeny Sharypov

This work can be used in Russian history lessons in grades 9-11 on the topic: "The First World War."

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Causes of World War I and the goals of the parties

Serbia Goals: The newly formed state (full independence from 1878) sought to establish itself as a leader in the Balkans Slavic peoples peninsula. She planned to form Yugoslavia, including all the Slavs living in the south of Austria-Hungary.

Balkans map

Entente bloc

France On August 3, 1914, Germany declared war on France. Goals: France dreamed of achieving, with the help of its allies, especially Russia, the complete defeat of Germany. Defend your overseas and African possessions. Return Alsace and Lorraine. She sought to take revenge for the defeat inflicted on her by Germany in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.

Great Britain Great Britain fought the First World War as part of the Entente military-political bloc; continuously developing, the country achieved its goal, defeating the bloc of the Central Powers (German Empire, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire and Bulgarian kingdom). Great Britain, led by Liberal Prime Minister Herbert Henry Asquith, entered the First World War at 11 pm on August 4, 1914.

An example of anti-German propaganda A British poster reads: “Once a German, always a German! Remember! Every employed German is an unemployed Briton. Any German product purchased is an unsold British product."

England Goals: She wanted to achieve the elimination of Germany as a dangerous competitor and at the same time pursued the goal of weakening her main allies (France and Russia) due to their bloody confrontation with Germany and Austria-Hungary on the land fronts. The British ruling circles considered the preservation of their colonial empire to be one of the main tasks during the war. She sought to seize Turkish possessions, as well as Mesopotamia and Palestine with their oil possessions. Increasing its influence on the world economy

Russia On August 19, 1914, Germany declared war on Russia as a response to the ongoing mobilization of Russian troops. Russia entered the war without having time to complete the rearmament of its troops. However, the high patriotic enthusiasm that reigned in society and the army made it possible to achieve success in the first stage of the war. Goals: Claimed free passage of its fleet into the Mediterranean Sea, insisted on weakening or revising in its favor the regime of control over the Dardanelles Strait. She planned to thwart the Austro-Hungarian expansion against Serbia, Herzegovina and Bosnia. She sought to undermine Germany's position and ensure free passage through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles into the Mediterranean Sea. Strengthen influence in the Balkans (by weakening German influence on Turkey).

Triple Alliance

Austria-Hungary Austria-Hungary entered World War I on July 28, 1914, exactly one month after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife in Sarajevo by Bosnian Serb Gavrilo Princip, an 18-year-old student and member of the nationalist organization " Black hand" Goals: Control of the Balkans => control of ship traffic in the Adriatic Sea => enslave Slavic countries: Strove to retain Bosnia and Herzegovina, which it captured in 1908. (see Bosnian crisis of 1908-1909) Opposition to Russia, which took on the role of protector of all Slavs in the Balkans, and Serbia, which claimed to be the unifying center of the southern Slavs.

Germany In 1888, Wilhelm II became Emperor of Germany, who was a supporter of aggressive foreign policy and expansion. Construction of a modern fleet has begun in Germany. This led to the beginning of an arms race between Germany and the Entente countries. In addition, Germany sought to gain new colonies and spheres of influence.

Germany Goals: Sought to defeat its main rival - Great Britain, depriving it of its colonies; defeat France and secure Alsace and Lorraine; defeat Belgium and Holland; weaken Russia, subjugate Turkey and Bulgaria to its influence and, together with Austria-Hungary, firmly gain a foothold in the Balkans. And ultimately - to establish its sole dominance in Europe and other continents.

Bulgaria Bulgaria entered World War I on October 14, 1915 on the side of the Central Powers, declaring war on Serbia. Goals: Sought to establish herself in the Balkans as the leader of the Slavic peoples of the peninsula (as opposed to Serbia). She sought to return territories lost during the Second Balkan War, as well as to acquire territories that the country claimed as a result of the First Balkan War. She wanted to take revenge on Serbia and Greece for the humiliating defeat in 1913.

Ottoman Empire The Ottoman Empire entered World War I on November 2, 1914, as part of the Central Powers. In October 1914, the Turks staged a provocation in the Black Sea, shelling Russian ports. In November Russian government declared war on the Ottoman Empire, and thus it entered the First World War. Goals: Sought to regain territories lost during the Balkan Wars. She sought to preserve the unity of the nation (in conditions of a virtually collapsing state), which is easier to do in the face of an external threat.

General reasons: The desire to weaken states that are competitors in economic and military development (so the British could not help but be concerned about the rapid industrial expansion and, mainly, the increase in the power of the German navy). Controversies over: colonies, spheres of influence and markets. The desire to resolve internal problems through war. The widespread strengthening of nationalist sentiments.

Briefly about the results The First World War lasted more than 4 years (from August 1, 1914 to November 11, 1918). 38 states took part in it, over 74 million people fought on its fields, of which 10 million were killed and 20 million were maimed. The First World War in its scale, human losses and socio-political consequences had no equal in all previous history. It had a huge impact on the economy, politics, ideology, on the entire system international relations. The war led to the collapse of the most powerful European states and the emergence of a new geopolitical situation in the world. (A.P. Zhilin)

First World War (1914 - 1918)

The Russian Empire collapsed. One of the goals of the war has been achieved.

Chamberlain

The First World War lasted from August 1, 1914 to November 11, 1918. 38 states with a population of 62% of the world took part in it. This war was quite controversial and described extremely contradictorily in modern history. I specifically quoted Chamberlain’s words in the epigraph in order to once again emphasize this inconsistency. A prominent politician in England (Russia's war ally) says that by overthrowing the autocracy in Russia one of the goals of the war has been achieved!

The Balkan countries played a major role in the beginning of the war. They were not independent. Their policies (both foreign and domestic) were greatly influenced by England. Germany had by that time lost its influence in this region, although long time controlled Bulgaria.

  • Entente. Russian Empire, France, Great Britain. The allies were the USA, Italy, Romania, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • Triple Alliance. Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire. Later they were joined by the Bulgarian kingdom, and the coalition became known as the “Quadruple Alliance”.

The following large countries took part in the war: Austria-Hungary (July 27, 1914 - November 3, 1918), Germany (August 1, 1914 - November 11, 1918), Turkey (October 29, 1914 - October 30, 1918), Bulgaria (October 14, 1915 - 29 September 1918). Entente countries and allies: Russia (August 1, 1914 - March 3, 1918), France (August 3, 1914), Belgium (August 3, 1914), Great Britain (August 4, 1914), Italy (May 23, 1915), Romania (August 27, 1916) .

One more important point. Initially, Italy was a member of the Triple Alliance. But after the outbreak of World War I, the Italians declared neutrality.

Causes of the First World War

main reason the beginning of the First World War lies in the desire of the leading powers, primarily England, France and Austria-Hungary, to redistribute the world. The fact is that the colonial system collapsed by the beginning of the 20th century. The leading European countries, which had prospered for years through the exploitation of their colonies, could no longer simply obtain resources by taking them away from Indians, Africans and South Americans. Now resources could only be won from each other. Therefore, contradictions grew:

  • Between England and Germany. England sought to prevent Germany from increasing its influence in the Balkans. Germany sought to strengthen itself in the Balkans and the Middle East, and also sought to deprive England of maritime dominance.
  • Between Germany and France. France dreamed of regaining the lands of Alsace and Lorraine, which it had lost in the war of 1870-71. France also sought to seize the German Saar coal basin.
  • Between Germany and Russia. Germany sought to take Poland, Ukraine and the Baltic states from Russia.
  • Between Russia and Austria-Hungary. Controversies arose due to the desire of both countries to influence the Balkans, as well as Russia's desire to subjugate the Bosporus and Dardanelles.

The reason for the start of the war

The reason for the outbreak of the First World War was the events in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina). On June 28, 1914, Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Black Hand of the Young Bosnia movement, assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Ferdinand was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, so the resonance of the murder was enormous. This was the pretext for Austria-Hungary to attack Serbia.

The behavior of England is very important here, since Austria-Hungary could not start a war on its own, because this practically guaranteed war throughout Europe. The British at the embassy level convinced Nicholas 2 that Russia should not leave Serbia without help in the event of aggression. But then the entire (I emphasize this) English press wrote that the Serbs were barbarians and Austria-Hungary should not leave the murder of the Archduke unpunished. That is, England did everything to ensure that Austria-Hungary, Germany and Russia did not shy away from war.

Important nuances of the casus belli

In all textbooks we are told that the main and only reason for the outbreak of the First World War was the assassination of the Austrian Archduke. At the same time, they forget to say that the next day, June 29, another significant murder took place. The French politician Jean Jaurès, who actively opposed the war and had great influence in France, was killed. A few weeks before the assassination of the Archduke, there was an attempt on the life of Rasputin, who, like Zhores, was an opponent of the war and had great influence on Nicholas 2. I would also like to note some facts from the fate of the main characters of those days:

  • Gavrilo Principin. Died in prison in 1918 from tuberculosis.
  • The Russian Ambassador to Serbia is Hartley. In 1914 he died at the Austrian embassy in Serbia, where he came for a reception.
  • Colonel Apis, leader of the Black Hand. Shot in 1917.
  • In 1917, Hartley's correspondence with Sozonov disappeared ( next ambassador Russia in Serbia).

This all indicates that in the events of the day there were a lot of black spots that have not yet been revealed. And this is very important to understand.

England's role in starting the war

At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 2 great powers in continental Europe: Germany and Russia. They did not want to openly fight against each other, since their forces were approximately equal. Therefore, in the “July crisis” of 1914, both sides took a wait-and-see approach. British diplomacy came to the fore. She conveyed her position to Germany through the press and secret diplomacy - in the event of war, England would remain neutral or take Germany's side. Through open diplomacy, Nicholas 2 received the opposite idea that if war broke out, England would take the side of Russia.

It must be clearly understood that one open statement from England that it would not allow war in Europe would be enough for neither Germany nor Russia to even think about anything like that. Naturally, under such conditions, Austria-Hungary would not have dared to attack Serbia. But England, with all its diplomacy, pushed European countries towards war.

Russia before the war

Before the First World War, Russia carried out army reform. In 1907, a reform of the fleet was carried out, and in 1910, a reform of the ground forces. The country increased military spending many times over, and the total peacetime army size was now 2 million. In 1912 Russia accepts new Charter field service. Today it is rightly called the most perfect Charter of its time, since it motivated soldiers and commanders to show personal initiative. Important point! The doctrine of the army of the Russian Empire was offensive.

Despite the fact that there were many positive changes, there were also very serious miscalculations. The main one is the underestimation of the role of artillery in war. As the course of events of the First World War showed, this was a terrible mistake, which clearly showed that at the beginning of the 20th century, Russian generals were seriously behind the times. They lived in the past, when the role of cavalry was important. As a result, 75% of all losses in the First World War were caused by artillery! This is a verdict on the imperial generals.

It is important to note that Russia never completed preparations for war (at the proper level), while Germany completed it in 1914.

The balance of forces and means before and after the war

Artillery

Number of guns

Of these, heavy guns

Austria-Hungary

Germany

According to the data from the table, it is clear that Germany and Austria-Hungary were many times superior to Russia and France in heavy weapons. Therefore, the balance of power was in favor of the first two countries. Moreover, the Germans, as usual, created an excellent military industry before the war, which produced 250,000 shells daily. By comparison, Britain produced 10,000 shells per month! As they say, feel the difference...

Another example showing the importance of artillery is the battles on the Dunajec Gorlice line (May 1915). In 4 hours, the German army fired 700,000 shells. For comparison, for the entire Franco-Prussian war(1870-71) Germany fired just over 800,000 shells. That is, in 4 hours a little less than during the entire war. The Germans clearly understood that heavy artillery would play a decisive role in the war.

Weapons and military equipment

Production of weapons and equipment during the First World War (thousands of units).

Strelkovoe

Artillery

Great Britain

TRIPLE ALLIANCE

Germany

Austria-Hungary

This table clearly shows the weakness Russian Empire in terms of equipping the army. In all main indicators, Russia is much inferior to Germany, but also inferior to France and Great Britain. Largely because of this, the war turned out to be so difficult for our country.


Number of people (infantry)

Number of fighting infantry (millions of people).

At the beginning of the war

By the end of the war

Casualties

Great Britain

TRIPLE ALLIANCE

Germany

Austria-Hungary

The table shows that Great Britain made the smallest contribution to the war, both in terms of combatants and deaths. This is logical, since the British did not really participate in major battles. Another example from this table is instructive. All textbooks tell us that Austria-Hungary, due to large losses, could not fight on its own, and it always needed help from Germany. But notice Austria-Hungary and France in the table. The numbers are identical! Just as Germany had to fight for Austria-Hungary, so Russia had to fight for France (it is no coincidence that the Russian army saved Paris from capitulation three times during the First World War).

The table also shows that in fact the war was between Russia and Germany. Both countries lost 4.3 million killed, while Britain, France and Austria-Hungary together lost 3.5 million. The numbers are eloquent. But it turned out that the countries that fought the most and made the most effort in the war ended up with nothing. First, Russia signed the shameful Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, losing many lands. Then Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles, essentially losing its independence.


Progress of the war

Military events of 1914

July 28 Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. This entailed the involvement of the countries of the Triple Alliance, on the one hand, and the Entente, on the other hand, into the war.

Russia entered World War I on August 1, 1914. Nikolai Nikolaevich Romanov (Uncle of Nicholas 2) was appointed Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

In the first days of the war, St. Petersburg was renamed Petrograd. Since the war with Germany began, the capital could not have a name of German origin - “burg”.

Historical reference


German "Schlieffen Plan"

Germany found itself under the threat of war on two fronts: Eastern - with Russia, Western - with France. Then the German command developed the “Schlieffen Plan”, according to which Germany should defeat France in 40 days and then fight with Russia. Why 40 days? The Germans believed that this was exactly what Russia would need to mobilize. Therefore, when Russia mobilizes, France will already be out of the game.

On August 2, 1914, Germany captured Luxembourg, on August 4 they invaded Belgium (a neutral country at that time), and by August 20 Germany reached the borders of France. The implementation of the Schlieffen Plan began. Germany advanced deep into France, but on September 5 it was stopped at the Marne River, where a battle took place in which about 2 million people took part on both sides.

Northwestern Front of Russia in 1914

At the beginning of the war, Russia did something stupid that Germany could not calculate. Nicholas 2 decided to enter the war without fully mobilizing the army. On August 4, Russian troops, under the command of Rennenkampf, launched an offensive in East Prussia (modern Kaliningrad). Samsonov's army was equipped to help her. Initially, the troops acted successfully, and Germany was forced to retreat. As a result, part of the forces of the Western Front was transferred to the Eastern Front. The result - Germany repelled the Russian offensive in East Prussia (the troops acted disorganized and lacked resources), but as a result the Schlieffen plan failed, and France could not be captured. So, Russia saved Paris, albeit by defeating its 1st and 2nd armies. After this, trench warfare began.

Southwestern Front of Russia

On the southwestern front, in August-September, Russia launched an offensive operation against Galicia, which was occupied by troops of Austria-Hungary. The Galician operation was more successful than the offensive in East Prussia. In this battle, Austria-Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat. 400 thousand people killed, 100 thousand captured. For comparison, the Russian army lost 150 thousand people killed. After this, Austria-Hungary actually left the war, since it had lost the ability to conduct independent actions. Austria was saved from complete defeat only by the help of Germany, which was forced to transfer additional divisions to Galicia.

The main results of the military campaign of 1914

  • Germany failed to implement the Schlieffen plan for lightning war.
  • No one managed to gain a decisive advantage. The war turned into a positional one.

Map of military events of 1914-15


Military events of 1915

In 1915, Germany decided to shift the main blow to the eastern front, directing all its forces to the war with Russia, which was the weakest country of the Entente, according to the Germans. It was a strategic plan developed by the commander of the Eastern Front, General von Hindenburg. Russia managed to thwart this plan only at the cost of colossal losses, but at the same time, 1915 turned out to be simply terrible for the empire of Nicholas 2.


Situation on the northwestern front

From January to October, Germany waged an active offensive, as a result of which Russia lost Poland, western Ukraine, part of the Baltic states, western Belarus. Russia went on the defensive. Russian losses were gigantic:

  • Killed and wounded - 850 thousand people
  • Captured - 900 thousand people

Russia did not capitulate, but the countries of the Triple Alliance were convinced that Russia would no longer be able to recover from the losses it had suffered.

Germany's successes on this sector of the front led to the fact that on October 14, 1915, Bulgaria entered the First World War (on the side of Germany and Austria-Hungary).

Situation on the southwestern front

The Germans, together with Austria-Hungary, organized the Gorlitsky breakthrough in the spring of 1915, forcing the entire southwestern front of Russia to retreat. Galicia, which was captured in 1914, was completely lost. Germany was able to achieve this advantage thanks to the terrible mistakes of the Russian command, as well as a significant technical advantage. German superiority in technology reached:

  • 2.5 times in machine guns.
  • 4.5 times in light artillery.
  • 40 times in heavy artillery.

It was not possible to withdraw Russia from the war, but the losses on this section of the front were gigantic: 150 thousand killed, 700 thousand wounded, 900 thousand prisoners and 4 million refugees.

Situation on the Western Front

"Everything is calm on the Western Front." This phrase can describe how the war between Germany and France proceeded in 1915. There were sluggish military operations in which no one sought the initiative. Germany implemented plans in Eastern Europe, and England and France calmly mobilized their economy and army, preparing for further war. No one provided any assistance to Russia, although Nicholas 2 repeatedly turned to France, first of all, so that it would take active action on the Western Front. As usual, no one heard him... By the way, this sluggish war on Germany’s western front was perfectly described by Hemingway in the novel “A Farewell to Arms.”

The main result of 1915 was that Germany was unable to bring Russia out of the war, although all efforts were devoted to this. It became obvious that the First World War would drag on for a long time, since during the 1.5 years of the war no one was able to gain an advantage or strategic initiative.

Military events of 1916


"Verdun Meat Grinder"

In February 1916, Germany launched a general offensive against France with the goal of capturing Paris. For this purpose, a campaign was carried out on Verdun, which covered the approaches to the French capital. The battle lasted until the end of 1916. During this time, 2 million people died, for which the battle was called the “Verdun Meat Grinder”. France survived, but again thanks to the fact that Russia came to its rescue, which became more active on the southwestern front.

Events on the southwestern front in 1916

In May 1916, Russian troops went on the offensive, which lasted 2 months. This offensive went down in history under the name “Brusilovsky breakthrough”. This name is due to the fact that the Russian army was commanded by General Brusilov. The breakthrough of the defense in Bukovina (from Lutsk to Chernivtsi) happened on June 5. The Russian army managed not only to break through the defenses, but also to advance into its depths in some places up to 120 kilometers. The losses of the Germans and Austro-Hungarians were catastrophic. 1.5 million dead, wounded and prisoners. The offensive was stopped only by additional German divisions, which were hastily transferred here from Verdun (France) and from Italy.

This offensive of the Russian army was not without a fly in the ointment. As usual, the allies dropped her off. On August 27, 1916, Romania entered the First World War on the side of the Entente. Germany defeated her very quickly. As a result, Romania lost its army, and Russia received an additional 2 thousand kilometers of front.

Events on the Caucasian and Northwestern fronts

Positional battles continued on the Northwestern Front during the spring-autumn period. As for the Caucasian Front, the main events here lasted from the beginning of 1916 to April. During this time, 2 operations were carried out: Erzurmur and Trebizond. According to their results, Erzurum and Trebizond were conquered, respectively.

The result of 1916 in the First World War

  • The strategic initiative passed to the side of the Entente.
  • The French fortress of Verdun survived thanks to the offensive of the Russian army.
  • Romania entered the war on the side of the Entente.
  • Russia carried out a powerful offensive - the Brusilov breakthrough.

Military and political events 1917


The year 1917 in the First World War was marked by the fact that the war continued against the background of the revolutionary situation in Russia and Germany, as well as the deterioration of the economic situation of the countries. Let me give you the example of Russia. During the 3 years of the war, prices for basic products increased on average by 4-4.5 times. Naturally, this caused discontent among the people. Add to this heavy losses and a grueling war - it turns out to be excellent soil for revolutionaries. The situation is similar in Germany.

In 1917, the United States entered the First World War. The position of the Triple Alliance is deteriorating. Germany and its allies cannot effectively fight on 2 fronts, as a result of which it goes on the defensive.

The end of the war for Russia

In the spring of 1917, Germany launched another offensive on the Western Front. Despite the events in Russia, Western countries demanded that the Provisional Government implement the agreements signed by the Empire and send troops on the offensive. As a result, on June 16, the Russian army went on the offensive in the Lvov area. Again, we saved the allies from major battles, but they themselves were completely set up.

The Russian army, exhausted by the war and losses, did not want to fight. The issues of provisions, uniforms and supplies during the war years were never resolved. The army fought reluctantly, but moved forward. The Germans were forced to transfer troops here again, and Russia's Entente allies again isolated themselves, watching what would happen next. On July 6, Germany launched a counteroffensive. As a result, 150,000 Russian soldiers died. The army virtually ceased to exist. The front fell apart. Russia could no longer fight, and this catastrophe was inevitable.


People demanded Russia's withdrawal from the war. And this was one of their main demands from the Bolsheviks, who seized power in October 1917. Initially, at the 2nd Party Congress, the Bolsheviks signed the decree “On Peace,” essentially proclaiming Russia’s exit from the war, and on March 3, 1918, they signed the Brest-Litovsk Peace Treaty. The conditions of this world were as follows:

  • Russia makes peace with Germany, Austria-Hungary and Turkey.
  • Russia is losing Poland, Ukraine, Finland, part of Belarus and the Baltic states.
  • Russia cedes Batum, Kars and Ardagan to Turkey.

As a result of its participation in the First World War, Russia lost: about 1 million square meters territory, approximately 1/4 of the population, 1/4 of arable land and 3/4 of the coal and metallurgical industries were lost.

Historical reference

Events in the war in 1918

Germany got rid of the Eastern Front and the need to wage war on two fronts. As a result, in the spring and summer of 1918, she attempted an offensive on the Western Front, but this offensive had no success. Moreover, as it progressed, it became obvious that Germany was getting the most out of itself, and that it needed a break in the war.

Autumn 1918

The decisive events in the First World War took place in the fall. The Entente countries, together with the United States, went on the offensive. The German army was completely driven out of France and Belgium. In October, Austria-Hungary, Turkey and Bulgaria concluded a truce with the Entente, and Germany was left to fight alone. Her situation was hopeless after the German allies in the Triple Alliance essentially capitulated. This resulted in the same thing that happened in Russia - a revolution. On November 9, 1918, Emperor Wilhelm II was overthrown.

End of the First World War


On November 11, 1918, the First World War of 1914-1918 ended. Germany signed a complete surrender. It happened near Paris, in the Compiègne forest, at the Retonde station. The surrender was accepted by the French Marshal Foch. The terms of the signed peace were as follows:

  • Germany admits complete defeat in the war.
  • The return of the province of Alsace and Lorraine to France to the borders of 1870, as well as the transfer of the Saar coal basin.
  • Germany lost all its colonial possessions, and was also obliged to transfer 1/8 of its territory to its geographical neighbors.
  • For 15 years, Entente troops were on the left bank of the Rhine.
  • By May 1, 1921, Germany had to pay members of the Entente (Russia was not entitled to anything) 20 billion marks in gold, goods, securities and so on.
  • Germany must pay reparations for 30 years, and the amount of these reparations is determined by the winners themselves and can be increased at any time during these 30 years.
  • Germany was prohibited from having an army of more than 100 thousand people, and the army had to be exclusively voluntary.

The terms of the “peace” were so humiliating for Germany that the country actually became a puppet. Therefore, many people of that time said that although the First World War ended, it did not end in peace, but in a truce for 30 years. That’s how it ultimately turned out...

Results of the First World War

The First World War was fought on the territory of 14 states. Countries took part in it, with total number population of more than 1 billion people (this is approximately 62% of the entire world population at that time). In total, the participating countries mobilized 74 million people, of whom 10 million died and another 20 million were injured.

As a result of the war, the political map of Europe changed significantly. There were such independent states, like Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Albania. Austro-Hungary split into Austria, Hungary and Czechoslovakia. Romania, Greece, France, and Italy have increased their borders. There were 5 countries that lost and lost territory: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Turkey and Russia.

Map of the First World War 1914-1918

(Page 29)

1. What goals did the powers pursue in the First World War?

Answer: If Germany and Austria-Hungary intended to create " new Europe", where the influence of England, France and Russia would be reduced to zero, then the Entente members hoped to eliminate the German threat by dividing the territories of the members of the Triple Alliance into several states.

Wilhelm II's plans included territorial conquests in eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, which could provide the Reich with living space and Natural resources. The victory allowed Germany to establish control over the overseas colonies of England and France. In turn, the Vienna cabinet sought, through military success, to prevent the collapse of the dualistic empire and to strengthen its positions in the Balkans and the Carpathians.

The main goal of the British government was to defeat its main competitor, Germany, and restore the international prestige of the British Empire. The French ruling circles dreamed of the return of Alsace and Lorraine, the seizure of the Rhine industrial zone and the elimination of German influence in the Middle East. Finally, Russia claimed territories with a Slavic population within Germany and Austria-Hungary. In addition, Tsar Nicholas II cherished plans to capture Constantinople (Istanbul) and turn the Black Sea into a “Russian lake”.

The offensive of the Entente troops on the Western Front.

4. What is Russia’s contribution to the victory of the Entente?

Answer: Russia’s military actions on the Eastern Front contributed to the fact that the forces of the Triple Alliance were forced to fight a war on 2 fronts, which quickly depleted the enemy’s forces. Also, successes during the fighting with the troops of the Ottoman Empire cooled the military fervor of Turkey, which entered the war on the side of the Triple Alliance.

5. What is government regulation military economy?

Answer: State regulation of the military economy is state regulation of the socio-economic sphere in order to ensure the front is supplied with weapons, food and other necessary items.

6. What were the results of the First World War?

Answer: The First World War, which lasted more than four years, became the greatest disaster in human history. It involved 38 states (including the British dominions) with a population of 1.5 billion people (60% of the world's inhabitants). Military operations took place over an area of ​​over 4 million square kilometers. More than 70 million people were under arms, of whom 9.5 million were killed and more than 20 million were wounded and maimed.

The long stay of military personnel in the trenches and prisoner of war camps, the poverty and distress of the population in the rear, negatively affected the psyche of many people.

Months of hostilities caused colossal material damage: thousands of cities and villages were turned into ruins, factories, roads, bridges, and cultural monuments were destroyed.

As a result of the war, changes occurred in political map peace. The Russian, Austro-Hungarian, German and Ottoman empires collapsed. New states arose in Europe: Poland, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia. The peoples of colonial and dependent countries saw the prospects of liberation.

The First World War ushered in an era of unprecedented upheavals and revolutions. A new page in the history of the 20th century was beginning.

1. Could the war have been avoided if Archduke Franz Ferdinand had not been killed? (p. 29)

Answer: The assassination of the Archduke was only a pretext for war. Germany was ready for war, so another reason would have been found to start hostilities.

2. Which front was decisive at each stage of the First World War? Give reasons for your answer. (p. 29)

Both fronts were important because they destroyed Germany's plans for a blitzkrieg.

The Eastern Front, since during this period the German forces launched a war of maneuver here, pushing the front line further to the East, gradually inflicting crushing blows on the Russian army. However, successes were not long in coming - the Brusilovsky breakthrough, as a result of which the enemy was thrown back to the Carpathian Mountains.

Western Front, since the February Revolution had already occurred in Russia, after which demands were made for Russia’s withdrawal from the war. And on the Western Front at this time, Germany was making its last attempts to defeat the Entente.

Western Front - the offensive of the Entente troops and the surrender of Germany and its allies.

3. What is the role of propaganda in creating an atmosphere of patriotic uplift? (p. 29)

Answer: Propaganda unites the country's population against a common enemy. Helps strengthen a person’s patriotic feelings and desire to protect his family and loved ones.

4. What are the reasons for the Entente’s victory in the war? Could the Entente have won without the participation of the United States? (p. 29)

Answer: Depletion of German resources and US assistance. The Entente could have won without the help of the United States, since back in 1917 Germany offered the Entente peace negotiations.

Documents (p. 30)

What was the psychological effect of the gas attack of German troops near Ypres?

Answer: panic arose among the soldiers, as they had never encountered anything like this before.

How do you think the Russian retreat in the summer of 1915 affected the course of the First World War? (p. 30)

Answer: actions on the Eastern Front during this period helped the Entente countries rebuild their economies for the needs of the war. During the retreat, German troops suffered significant losses. However, the spirit of the Russian army was broken.

What measures were the priority for the Entente in the process of cessation of hostilities? How was it planned to limit Germany's military activity? (p. 31)

Answer: Evacuation of German troops from occupied countries. Transfer of some weapons to the Entente countries.

Limitation of Germany's military activity - the return of German troops within Germany, the reduction of the armament of German troops.