Subsequent to Japan-French war in 1871, there had been a hatred feeling among many nations. Each strengthened its own army. Germany was nursing a grudge against Britain, wanting to blow up its (Britain’s) naval base!
While this was going on, elsewhere, Russia was craving to invade and annex Austria and Hungary. However, what snowballed into World War was that, when Ferdinand, the royal descent of Hungary – Austria, was shot to death in Bosnia on June 28, 1914. The obvious suspect behind this assassination was Siberia!
Finding an excuse, France and Russia fanned the flames; Germany backed the victim’s nations and declared the war against France and Russia. The German army had captured Belgium. It developed into a big battle when Britain joined the arena in support of its ally, France, on August 3, 1914. More countries were forced to take two sides. Thus, World War-I (1914-1918) broke out.
With born-to-fight instinct, the dare devil Germany used poisonous bomb shells. In retaliation, Great Britain showered bombs, using army tanks. The war went on unabated for three more years. Until then America remained a mute spectator. But when the Germany’s U boat opened fire and killed the innocent Americans, it took a nasty turn as America plunged into the arena in 1917!
However, the then American President Woodrow Wilson, a many-faceted personality, gave his consent to his army. The US army launched severe attack on the German-led enemies. And the war continued for about a year. But the Germany, for the first time, tasted defeat in all the fronts and retreated!
However, Wilson’s 14 point peace pact forced German to buckle. In 1918, the war came to an end. He was instrumental in forming the League of Nations. And he also took initiative to draft Ve sailles Treaty. For this very reason, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for peace in 1919.
The outcome was devastating. Over eight million soldiers of the participating countries were killed and hundreds of thousands were injured, in addition to pushing these countries on the brink of economic crisis!