World War I

Causes, events and aftermath of WWI

World War I (1914-1918)

WWI was a global conflict between the Allied Powers (Britain, France, Russia) and Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary). Causes included rivalries, alliances and imperialism. South Africa fought on Britain's side.

Example

Key Facts

• Started: 28 July 1914 | Ended: 11 November 1918 • New weapons: machine guns, poison gas, tanks, aeroplanes • Trench warfare: soldiers fought from muddy trenches • About 17 million people died • SA: fought in German South-West Africa (Namibia) and France

Note

Remember

WWI changed the world — empires fell, new countries formed. In SA, Black and Coloured soldiers served but received little recognition. The League of Nations was created to prevent future wars.

Key Vocabulary

AllianceAn agreement between countries to support each other

Trench warfareFighting from long ditches dug into the ground

ImperialismA powerful country controlling other territories

ArmisticeAn agreement to stop fighting (ceasefire)

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Alliance

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