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Friday, May 18, 2012

WWI: Where?

Where did WWI occur, Where did the major battles occur, and Where were the countries? WWI occured in three major areas in the modern world. These three were: Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Probably the most significant battle of WWI was the battle of Passchendaele, that occured at Flanders, Belgium. The most significant battle in Africa was The Battle of Tanga in German East Africa. The Middle East had multiple campaigns each with an important effect on the shaping of the Middle East in the coming years.

WWI: When

When was WWI, When did it end, and when did it really begin? WWI had its beginnings long before war was declared. WWI had its beginnings at many different times for many different reasons. France was upset when Germany won a portion of its land. Serbia for the same reason with Austria-Hungary. The cause of the starting of the war was on June 28, 1914 when Austria-Hungary lost its Archduke to Serb extremists. The first declaration of war was on July 28, 1914. Soon after, Germany declared war on Russia, this happened on August 1, 1914. The end of the war came on November 11, 1918 when the Armistice was signed; thus ending WWI.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

WWI: What?

What was WWI, what did it affect, and what was the outcome? At first, WWI was a war of self defense, Serbia was trying to protect itself from the possibilities of Austria-Hungary retaliating for the death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Soon as more and more countries joined the war, it became a war on many fronts for many reasons. This led to a Total War; this means that all of the countries aspects were affected, its citizens, government, supplies, and its overall being of a country. For Germany this happened on two fronts, the East against Russia and the West against France. Alfred von Schlieffen, who was the German Army Chief of Staff, Proposed a war strategy were 90% of Germany's troops would attack France through Belgium; while the rest went to the East to defend against Russia. This was effective in the attack against Russia in the East but led more to be desired in the West. The outcome of WWI was in favor of France and Britain. It left Germany in ruins and Russia in internal turmoil. It also split Austria-Hungary and led to independence in many colonies of European countries.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

WWI: Who?

Who was the one who caused WWI, who was involved, and who won? On June 28, 1914 a group of assassins from The Black Hand attempted and succeeded in assassinating Austria-Hungary's Archduke Franz Ferdinand. As we would later find out, these terrorists were funded by Serbia. This was because Serbia wanted to weaken the Austrio-Hungarian government so that Serbia could take back a large portion of land that they had taken from Serbia. This land was known as the Balkans and was majorly centered around Bosnia, and it was soon to be the cause of WWI. As Austria-Hungary looked to retaliate on Serbia, Serbia looked to its ally Russia in helping them defend themselves. Russia then called upon its allies in France and Great Britain. When Austria-Hungary heard of this, they too called upon their ally in Germany who then called on its ally in Italy. Eventually on July 29, 1914 Russia mobilized its troops, this was considered an act of war in those times, and WWI began when Germany declared war on Russia. Four bloody and brutal years later the conflict came to an end with Britain and its allies winning.