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The alliance systems before WWI turned local conflicts into global ones. Designed for balance, they instead heightened tensions. When Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, alliances forced countries to enter the war, spreading the conflict quickly.
Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
Triple Entente: France, Russia, United Kingdom -
The First Battle of the Marne was a crucial conflict that halted the German advance into France in September 1914, leading to a stalemate that characterized much of World War I. Its significance lay in its impact on military strategy and the morale of the Allied forces. -
The Lusitania was sunk on May 7, 1915, which shifted American sentiment against Germany and set the stage for U.S. involvement in World War I, following the deaths of many passengers, including Americans. -
The stalemate on the Western Front lasted from 1914 to 1918, marked by entrenched warfare and heavy casualties. Both sides built extensive trench systems, leading to grueling combat with minimal territorial gains. This deadlock resulted in a war of attrition, forcing military innovations and causing immense suffering throughout the conflict. -
America remained neutral in World War I until April 6, 1917, when it joined the conflict, significantly impacting the outcome by providing fresh troops and resources to the Allies, ultimately contributing to their victory. -
World War I saw the introduction of key weapons technologies, including the machine gun for rapid fire, improved artillery with gas shells, and tanks for mobility. These innovations transformed combat tactics and underscored the war's brutality. -
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The Armistice signed on November 11, 1918, ended World War I, halting combat between the Allies and Germany. The Allies won the war, while the Central Powers, notably Germany, suffered defeat and faced severe consequences.