WW: Ch 20

     The chapter kicks off talking about World War I veterans and how they are dying off. Unfortunately, it was not the war that ended all other wars. The only positive thing about this is that now in this day and age the majority of the European countries have now seized to go with war with one another. "The Great War" as they referred to it was essentially "a european civil war with a global reach". Throughout the entire span of the war, 1914-1918, many casualties were suffered and by the end of it, Western Europe had destroyed itself. For having gone through one of the most destructive events in history, they made a considerable comeback starting after the dust had settled after World War II. 

     The chapter goes on to explain that prior to World War I, Europeans had a good grip of control throughout the rest of the world, something that did not remain intact after the war, let alone World War II. With many countries on the rise after the Industrial Revolution, this led to rivalries growing and tempers started to boil and spill over. By the time the 1900's started to get underway, two main alliances had been formed throughout Europe. The first alliance was the Triple Alliance consisting of Germany, Austria, and Italy. The other was Triple Entente composed of Russia, France, and Britain. World War I was created due to a Serbian murdering the successor of the Austrian throne. As a result, Austria was out to destroy nationalism. Serbia, as it turns out, was backed up by the Russia and the Triple Entente. By August 1914, World War I was officially underway. 

     Industrialized militaries were a huge factor in the war. Countries had outstanding armies and had a great sense of prestige. There was a huge arms race including warships. Prior to World War I, many countries had schemes as to how to approach a huge war, should the time come, and what do you know? Many new weapons saw the light of day during this war including weapons like tanks, airplanes, and machine guns. Many casualties resulted due to the war. Approximately ten million people died by the end of World War I and another twenty million had been left injured. The United States joined the war by 1917 when Germany attacked American ships.

     Many had expected World War I to end rather quickly. By November of 1918 Germany had been defeated. Trench warfare was a huge part of this war. Some battles had lasted months and the longer they lasted, the higher the casualties were. Women had replaced men in factories. I personally think that this was a glimpse into the future where in World War II, women had also started working and that is when they really started becoming a major part in society.