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Report #3: World War 1
Terry J. Smith
American Public University Systems
MILH510-Studies in U.S. Military History
Dr. Rob Kirkland
July 23, 2023
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Report #3: World War 1
World War I, known as the Great War, was a cataclysmic global conflict that shook the
foundations of the world between 1914 and 1918. Its origins can be traced back to a complex
web of political, economic, and military factors that culminated in a devastating clash of nations.
The war was marked by intense nationalism, fierce imperial competition, and a precarious
system of alliances that turned a single assassination into a spark that ignited the flames of war.
As the conflict unfolded, political influences played a pivotal role in shaping its onset and
conduct, with diplomatic failures and rigid commitments leading to an escalation of hostilities.
Among the nations involved, the United States, initially neutral, would later play a significant
role, demonstrating its military powers and making substantial contributions to the Allied cause.
This report explores the background of the events leading to World War I, the political influences
that drove its course, analyzes America's military performance, and examines the short and long-
term consequences that reshaped the world in the war's aftermath.
Background Events:
Before the Great War, nationalism was on the rise, with European nations seeking to
assert their cultural and political identities, leading to increased tensions and rivalries.
Imperialism fueled intense competition for colonies and resources, leading to territorial disputes
and economic conflicts among major powers. The alliance system further complicated matters,
as Europe was divided into two opposing camps, with the Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance
created a delicate balance of power. (Strachan, 2005)
Commonly known as the “July Crisis”, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of
Austria-Hungary unfolded on Sunday, the 28
th
of 1914 (Strachan, 2005). This acted as the
triggering event, setting off a chain reaction of declarations of war and military mobilizations. As
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nations became entangled in a web of commitments and retaliatory actions, the world was drawn
into one of history's deadliest and most consequential conflicts.
Political Influence:
Politics played a crucial role in the outbreak and conduct of World War I. Diplomatic
failures and inflexible alliance commitments could have helped peaceful resolutions. Germany's
"blank check" of unconditional support to Austria-Hungary empowered the latter to act
aggressively against Serbia. Detailed war plans and rapid mobilization strategies left little room
for negotiation or de-escalation. As a result, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand set
off a domino effect, with countries being drawn into a devastating conflict that would engulf the
world. (Strachan, 2005)
America's Military Performance in World War I:
When the United States entered World War I in April of 1917, its military was relatively
small and unprepared for a global conflict of such magnitude. However, the nation quickly
mobilized its resources and transformed its military capabilities under the leadership of General
John J. Pershing. “
American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) of over 2 million men, cooperating
with the armies of France and the British Empire, bludgeoned Imperial Germany into an
armistice. Supporting the AEF stood a Navy and Marine Corps of over 600,000” (
Millett &
Maslowski, 2012, p. 219).
Although the US faced a steep learning curve in adapting to modern
warfare, they demonstrated remarkable progress in a short period. American soldiers showcased
their resilience and determination on the battlefield, significantly contributing to the Allied
victory. Notably, their involvement in critical battles like the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the most
prominent American military operation of the war, played a pivotal role in breaking the stalemate
and pushing the Central Powers toward defeat. The AEF's coordinated efforts with their allies
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and its commitment to total war efforts back home boosted morale and propelled the Allied
forces toward success. America's entry into the war significantly strengthened the Allied powers
and eventually ended hostilities. The experiences and lessons learned in World War I would go
on to shape America's military preparedness for future conflicts. (
Millett & Maslowski, 2012)
Short and Long-Term Results of the War:
World War I had far-reaching consequences, both in the short term and over the long
haul. In the immediate aftermath, the war resulted in immense human suffering, with millions of
lives lost and even more people left wounded or displaced. Entire cities and landscapes were
devastated, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Economically, many nations struggled with
immense debt and the need for post-war reconstruction, leading to social and political instability.
“The Treaty of Versailles was signed by Germany and the Allied Nations on June 28,
1919, formally ending World War One” (Library of Congress, 2022). The treaty’s terms imposed
harsh penalties on Germany, requiring it to
pay financial reparations, disarm, lose territory, and
give up all its overseas colonies. Consequently, this set the stage for simmering resentment and
laid the groundwork for the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party. In turn, this would ultimately
lead to the outbreak of World War II. (Library of Congress, 2022)
Additionally, World War I brought about significant technological advancements,
particularly in weaponry and military strategy, influencing future conflicts and shaping the
modern world. The war also led to shifts in societal norms, particularly regarding the role of
women in the workforce and political participation, as they stepped in to fill the void left by
millions of men on the battlefield.
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The war's aftermath further contributed to the collapse of old empires, such as the Austro-
Hungarian and Ottoman empires, leading to the formation of new nation-states and reshaping
various regions' political and cultural identities. (Stevenson, 2014)
Conclusion:
World War I was a devastating global conflict that emerged from a combination of
nationalist aspirations, imperial ambitions, intricate alliances, and a single assassination that
ignited the flames of war. The political influence on the war's onset and conduct were profound,
as diplomatic failures, rigid alliances, and war plans rapidly escalated hostilities. America's
military performance, although initially unprepared, it made a significant impact with its rapid
mobilization and strategic contributions aiding the Allied victory. The short-term results saw an
armistice and the Treaty of Versailles, but the long-term consequences reshaped the world order,
leading to future conflicts and technological advancements.
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References
Library of Congress (2022). Treaty of Versailles: Primary Documents in American History.
Library
. Retrieved from
https://guides.loc.gov/treaty-of-versailles
Millett, A., & Maslowski, P. (2012).
For the Common Defense.
ProQuest Ebook Central
.
Retrieved from
http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/apus/detail.action?docID=4934759
.
Stevenson, D. (2014). Aftermath of World War One.
British Library
. Retrieved from
https://www.bl.uk/world-war-one/articles/aftermath
Strachan, H. (2005). The First World War.
Penguin Books
, Retrieved from
https://web-s-ebscohost com.ezproxy2.apus.edu/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook?sid
=34e20313-f15e-416f-8548-f4a2158db43e%40redis&vid=0&format=EK
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