The Great War

In 1914, war broke out in Europe. The countries of Europe were divided against each other. The two main sides during World War I were the Allied Powers and the Central Powers. The Allied Powers consisted of Great Britain, France, and Russia. The Central Powers consisted of Germany, Turkey, and Austria-Hungary. The colonies of these nations in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Pacific were soon drawn into the war as well.

World War I was known as the Great War because this conflict was the first war that involved so many countries worldwide. Many felt that this would be the war to end all other wars. History shows that this would not be the case. This war was also different in that the weapons used were new and more deadly. Armies had never used tanks, airplanes, or gas grenades. Losses in each battle were greater than ever. Another effective weapon was the submarine. Submarines could sink large ships carrying troops and supplies.

Trench warfare was a new concept introduced during World War I. Soldiers dug long, deep trenches, or ditches in the ground, and lived in them for long periods of time. These trenches were used as a place to stay and also as a form of protection.

The war finally ended after the German leader Kaiser Wilhelm resigned. On November 11, 1918, an armistice haulted the fighting and a peace treaty followed.