World War I: Causes and Long-Term Impact

World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, was one of the bloodiest conflicts in human history. The main causes of this war are complex, but can be summarized into several key factors. One of the main causes is nationalism which is overflowing in various countries, especially in Europe. Large powers such as Germany, France, and England sought to demonstrate power through military increases and the acquisition of colonies. In addition, complex political alliances, such as the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Britain) and the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy), created tensions. The incident of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on June 28 1914 was the immediate trigger that sparked the war. This action caused a chain reaction from the countries involved in the alliance, which ultimately led to successive declarations of war. The long-term impacts of World War I were significant and widespread. One of the most important impacts was the change in the political map of Europe. The Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Russian Empires disbanded, leading to the emergence of new states such as Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia. The formation of the League of Nations as an attempt to prevent future conflict was also a result of this war, although it was not completely successful. Socially, World War I caused major changes in the structure of society. Many women entered the workforce to replace men who had gone to war, which led to the movement for women’s voting rights in many countries. On the economic side, the war resulted in a severe financial crisis. The high costs of the war left many countries in debt, and led to economic depression in the interwar period. World War I also left a deep psychological impact. Mass trauma and loss left many veterans and civilians experiencing a mental breakdown, known as ‘Shell Shock’. This affects treatment and understanding of mental health among the public. In culture, this war inspired many works of art and literature. Writers such as Erich Maria Remarque and Wilfred Owen documented tragic experiences on the battlefield, illustrating the brutality and absurdity of war. From all these aspects, it is clear that World War I was not just a military conflict, but also a fundamental change in human life, the impact of which can still be felt today.