¶ … First World War started in 1914 and its responsible for the acceleration of a series of social, political, economic and cultural developments. "Its immediate consequences -- the Russian Revolution, the political and social upheavals of 1918-22 all over Europe, the redrawing of the maps with the emergence of new national states -- have determined the course of history in the twentieth century." (James Joll, Gordon Martel, page 1) After the war ended, the Treaty of Versailles was signed, in June 1919, in which Germans and their allies were found accountable for the conflict. The Treaty of Versailles determined the borders of Middle East Europe and created an international peace organization named the League of Nations.
Franz Ferdinand's assassination resulted in various differences between Austria-Hungary and Serbia. Austria-Hungary, as many other countries in the world, claimed that the Serbian government was to blame for the assassination. Austria-Hungary did not declare war until Germany decided that it will sustain the cause. Serbia was sustained by Russia and its allies. On July 5, Kaiser Wilhelm, the German leader, gave his "blank check" promise that he will totally support Austria-Hungary in the war. Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum regarding Serbia, but it was impossible for it to accept and respect it. Because of this, Serbia asked Russia to sustain it in the coming war. The peace between Europe's great powers crushed once Austria-Hungary announced the beginning of war against Serbia; on July 28. In August 1914 the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Ottoman Empire) declared war to the Allied Powers (Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy and Japan).
"The campaigns on the Western Front fall into several easily identifiable phases. The first began with Germany's execution of the Schlieffen Plan in August 1914." (Gary Sheffield, page 6) On the Western Front Germans attacked France through Belgium. Although Belgium was a neutral country Germany invaded it using powerful weapons and a clever strategy. After their attack in Belgium, not only did soldiers die, but also civilians and the cities through which Germans passed were destroyed. Germans were able to advance until Paris's vicinity, but failed to pass the Allied lines at Ypres in early November. In the battle at Verdun and the one from Somme many people lost their lives.
The Battle of Verdun caused the death of hundreds of men. After this battle Germany could not reorganize, on the Western Front, an attack which was similar to the Battle of Verdun, until 1918. France was also affected by the battle at Verdun. "Jofre, blamed for his failed offensives in 1915 and being surprised at Verdun, was forced to retire in December. Robert Nivelle replaced him." (Spencer C. Tucker, Priscilla Mary Roberts, page 1927)
The second important battle from the Western Front was the Battle of Somme from 1916. "Because of French absorption with Verdun, a joint effort on the Somme became impossible. The purpose of the attack also changed to relieving German pressure on Verdun." (Spencer C. Tucker, Priscilla Mary Roberts, page 1927) In the Battle of the Somme Haig, a British commander, used tanks and established the Tank Corps Headquarters. He was then criticized for using the tanks too…
