P Kenney

The Origins and Course of the First World War 1905-1918 P Kenney

This Study Guide is designed to cover the Section A of Paper 2 Historical Investigation: A1 the origins and course of the First World War, 1905-18, as part of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in History (4HI1). This is a period of history that deserves study. The First World War transformed the world in many ways. It changed societies; it brought down empires and brought about great advances industrialisation and technological advances. Warfare was also transferred with the introduction of tanks and aircraft in battle for the first time. The First World War was fought in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and also at sea. The conflict would not be formally ended until the Treaty of Versailles on the 29th June 1919. From the wreckage of the First World War a new Europe was formed. As a result of the First World War, the Empire of Austria- Hungary was dismantled, the Russian autocratic Tsar was overthrown and the Bolshevik Communists established the USSR. Germany lost land and was humiliated, sowing the seeds for the rise of Hitler and the Second World War. By the time the war ended on 11th November 1918 over 10 million soldiers had been killed and over 20 million were wounded. With the benefit of hindsight, it is easy to see how the First World War was inevitable. Over the preceding decades the Great Powers of Europe were all competing to carve up the rest of the world - and take as much of it for themselves as possible. The European Great Powers; Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Austria-Hungary and Italy all desired new territories to rule and exploit. With more than 20 topics covering the origins and course of the war, this study guide covers all aspects of the syllabus requirements, including the alliance system and international rivalry in the years 1905-14; the growth of tension in Europe, 1905-14; the deadlock on the Western Front; the war at sea and Gallipoli, and the defeat of Germany in 1918.