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World War I.Author John Warwick Brooke (1886–1929).

Who Won World War 1? 10 Most Important Things You Should Know About The End of The War

World War I was a significant turning point in the political, cultural, economic, and social climate of the world. It occurred between 28 July 1914 and 11 November 1918. It was fought between two coalitions, the Allies (France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, Japan, and the United States) and the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire). It affected the whole world and was concentrated in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Pacific, and parts of Asia. At the end of the war, there was massive destruction of property. Loss of lives, and dwindling economies among other negative effects.

Though it is difficult to get the exact figures as no records were being kept at that time, it is estimated 9 million soldiers lost their lives on the battlefront with another 23 million wounded, while 5 million civilians died as a result of military action, hunger, and disease. The civilians were also not spared as approximately 13 million of them died as a result of genocide, while the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic was exacerbated by the movement of combatants during the war.

Who won World War I?

After a grueling battle at the war front, it is reported that The Allies consisting of the United Kingdom, France, United States, Japan, and Italy won World War I. They defeated the Central Powers consisting of Imperial Germany, the Austro-Hungary Empire, and the Ottoman Empire.

1. The Treaty of Versailles Officially Ended World War I

The Treaty of Versailles officially ended World War I. After it became clear that the Allies were winning the war, countries such as Bulgaria and Turkey began to surrender weakening the Central forces. This led to the signing of the Versailles treaty on June 28, 1919, by the leaders of France, England, Italy, and the United States.

In a turn of events, Germany and its former allies were not allowed to participate in the negotiations.  The terms were very harsh toward Germany, stating that it was solely responsible for starting the war and requiring it to disarm, surrender its overseas colonies, and pay massive reparations for the losses suffered by the Allies. Germany was also required to relinquish sizeable areas of territory to France, Belgium, and the newly formed Poland and to other new countries created.

As a result of the Treaty, The Allies redrew the maps of Europe, and the Middle East, dividing the area into spheres of French and British influence and sowing the seeds for future discord and strife. The peace terms also forced upon Germany caused lingering resentment and humiliation, setting the stage for many of its citizens to search for national leadership which would make Germany a world power once more. They would ultimately turn to the Nazi Party and its leader, Adolf Hitler.

2. What caused the end of World War 1?

Facing dwindling resources on the battlefield, discontent on the home front, and the surrender of its allies caused the end of World War I. Germany was finally forced to seek an armistice on November 11, 1918, ending World War I.

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3. A Series Of Battles Were Fought Towards The End Of The War

World War I.Author Heiddy2.

As the war advanced, in August of 1918, the Allied commanders on the western front decided to go on the offensive. Starting on August 8th, a series of battles were fought called the Hundred Days Offensive. These battles included the Battle of Amiens, the Second Battle of the Somme, and several battles along Germany’s Hindenburg Line. The Germans were pushed out of France and were forced to retreat back into Germany.

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4. It recorded an Immensely Large Number Of Deaths

First World War Casualties on the Western Front. Author Australian official photographer.

The first major war to be fought in the world had dire consequences. Though there were no records being kept at that time, it is estimated that some 8,500,000 soldiers died as a result of wounds or disease during World War I. Perhaps as many as 13,000,000 civilians also died. These civilian deaths were largely caused by starvation, exposure, disease, military encounters, and massacres. This immensely large number of deaths dwarfed that of any previous war, largely because of the new technologies and styles of warfare used in World War I.

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5. It Led To The Collapse Of Four Dynasties

On the political front, the war also had some casualties. At the war’s end, four imperial dynasties; the Habsburgs of Austria-Hungary, the Hohenzollerns of Germany, the sultanate of the Ottoman Empire, and the Romanovs of Russia ceased to exist.

6. The United States Emerged As A World Power

American Troops – Uniform and Equipment during the First World War. Author American official photographer.

The United States made a major contribution to the allied forces regarding personnel, equipment, and technology.  After the war, for the first time, it emerged as a world power.

7. World War I led To The Most Destructive Outbreak of Influenza in History

There were no agencies established to keep records of these fatalities, but it is clear that the displacement of people through the movement of the war in Europe and in Asia Minor, led to the most destructive outbreak of influenza in history, leading to the deaths of large numbers.

8. Germany Requested For Armistice Signifying The End of The War

Four years of intense fighting on the battlefront was quite draining for the countries involved. By the end of the Hundred Days Offensive, the German forces were exhausted and running out of food and supplies. On November 11, 1918, they requested an armistice. An armistice is when both sides agree to stop fighting while a peace treaty is negotiated. The Allies agreed to the armistice and at 11 AM on November 11, 1918, the fighting in World War I came to an end.

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9. The Map of Europe Changed Significantly After World War I

At the end of the war, a new world order was established and the map of Europe changed significantly. Several new independent countries were formed including Poland, Finland, Yugoslavia, and Czechoslovakia. Russia became the Soviet Union and the Ottoman Empire later became the country of Turkey. Germany also had to give up the provinces of Alsace-Lorraine to France.

10. League of Nations Was Established

THE ARMS PRODUCTION IN BRITAIN IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR (Q 27866)

As part of the Paris Peace Conference, an organization called the League of Nations was formed to establish world peace. Its member countries hoped to prevent wars by helping to settle disputes between countries. It was also involved in dealing with other thematic areas such as; establishing fair labor conditions, improving global health, control the global arms trade, and protect minorities in Europe. The League was officially founded by the Treaty of Versailles and had 42 founding member countries.