World War I - The Third Story (The Final Chapter)
Prolonged War
<Mitrailleuse Vickers>
During this period, the widespread use of machine guns became a significant factor in the war. Previously, soldiers used single-shot rifles, limiting even the most trained to firing around 30 rounds per minute. However, machine guns could fire between 100 to 300 rounds per minute.
To effectively utilize this new technology, both the Allies and the Central Powers shifted to ambush tactics. They dug trenches and waited for the enemy to approach, then opened fire with machine guns. This strategy became the norm, leading to a prolonged stalemate. The war became a waiting game, with reduced movement on the battlefield.
Soldiers who exposed themselves outside the trenches were immediately targeted by enemy machine guns, often falling within minutes. This forced soldiers to remain entrenched for extended periods. As this situation persisted, engineers began developing new weapons to break through the trench lines.
New Weapon 1: Aircraft
The first new weapon to emerge was the airplane. Initially, aircraft were used to observe enemy trench positions, troop movements, and machine gun placements. Some planes were equipped with machine guns or bombs to attack from the air. However, early aircraft were slow and lacked precision, limiting their impact on the war.
New Weapon 2: Poison Gas
Next, poison gas was introduced. It was thought that gas, being heavier than air, would be effective against trenches. However, the rapid distribution of gas masks by both sides neutralized this threat, and poison gas failed to significantly alter the course of the war.
New Weapon 3: Tanks
Tanks were developed by the British as a solution to trench warfare. Designed to withstand bullets and break through enemy lines, early tanks were plagued by issues like getting stuck in mud, mechanical failures, and difficulty in repairs. Like aircraft, they did not immediately change the tide of the war.
New Weapon 4: Submarines
Finally, submarines emerged as a game-changer. Operating underwater, they could attack supply ships undetected. Germany implemented an "Unrestricted Submarine Warfare" campaign, targeting both military and civilian ships in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, leading to significant civilian casualties and international condemnation.
Germany's Resource Shortage
Germany's decision to pursue unrestricted submarine warfare was driven by severe resource shortages. While Germany had a strong heavy industry, it struggled with light industry and agriculture. By 1916, potato production had plummeted from 50 million tons in 1915 to 26 million tons, exacerbating food shortages. The lack of footwear, ammunition, and other essentials further weakened their war effort.
Allied Cooperation and Germany's Crisis
In contrast, Britain and France relied on their colonies and Japan for supplies. Japan provided large quantities of firearms, shipped to Russia to prevent shortages there. Germany, lacking significant colonial resources, found itself at a disadvantage on the seas. In a desperate move, Germany targeted Allied supply ships, but this ultimately led to the United States joining the war on the side of the Allies.
The United States in the Early 20th Century
On May 7, 1915, the British passenger liner RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat, resulting in the deaths of 1,198 passengers, including 128 Americans. This incident shocked the American public and made the U.S. realize that the war was not just a distant conflict but one that could directly impact them.
By 1916 and 1917, as the Allies (Britain and France) faced continued setbacks against Germany, the U.S. began to seriously consider entering the war. The U.S. had lent over $2 billion (approximately $40 billion in today’s value) to the Allies and feared that if they lost, the loans would never be repaid. On April 6, 1917, the United States formally declared war on Germany.
U.S. Entry and the End of the War
In 1918, over 2 million American troops arrived in Europe, marking a turning point in the war. By this time, the conflict had dragged on for four years, and all sides were exhausted.
Germany, in particular, was suffering from severe shortages of food, fuel, and other critical supplies. The arrival of fresh American troops and resources tipped the balance in favor of the Allies. On November 11, 1918, an armistice was signed, ending World War I with the victory of the Allied Powers, including the United States.
Casualties of World War I
These figures are estimated totals that include both military personnel who died during WW1.
World War I resulted in staggering casualties. Approximately 5.4 million soldiers from the Allied Powers and 4.1 million from the Central Powers lost their lives. When including civilian casualties and those injured, the total number of victims exceeds 40 million. This war was the first truly global conflict, involving nations across the world. It did not happen overnight but was the result of decades of political tensions, militarism, and alliances.
The war also had profound economic consequences. For example, Britain, which had been a creditor nation before the war, ended up owing the U.S. over $4.7 billion (approximately $100 billion today) in war debts. Meanwhile, the U.S. emerged as the world’s leading financial power, with New York replacing London as the global financial center.
Reflections on the War
Why couldn’t this war be prevented? Why was it inevitable? These questions led to the development of realist theories in international politics, emphasizing power balances and the need for preparedness. World War I was a pivotal event that reshaped the world order.
As we look ahead to discussing World War II, it is crucial to reflect on the lessons of the past. In today’s complex and volatile international landscape, we must strive to prevent such global tragedies from recurring and ensure that future generations do not face the same devastation.
References
- Germany's Aims in the First World War
- The First World War: Germany and Austria-Hungary 1914-1918 (Modern Wars)