IGCSE History 0470

Depth Study: The First World War, 1914–18

Introduction

This section provides detailed notes for the IGCSE History 0470 Depth Study on the First World War. It covers key events, causes, consequences, and different perspectives on this pivotal period in history.

1. Causes of the War

• Long-term Causes:
  • Imperialism: Competition for colonies and resources created tension between European powers.
  • Nationalism: Strong national pride and the desire for self-determination fueled rivalries, particularly in the Balkans.
  • Militarism: An arms race and the glorification of military power contributed to a climate of suspicion and readiness for war.
  • Alliance System: A complex network of treaties obligated nations to defend each other, turning a local conflict into a wider war. (e.g., Triple Alliance vs. Triple Entente)
• Immediate Cause:
  • Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The assassination of the Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, by a Serbian nationalist provided the spark that ignited the war.
  • Ultimatum and Declaration of War: Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia, which was deemed unacceptable. Austria-Hungary then declared war on Serbia.
  • Chain Reaction: The alliance system quickly drew other European powers into the conflict.

2. Key Events and Campaigns

Campaign	Date	Location	Significance
Battle of Marne	September 1914	France	Stopped the German advance on Paris and led to trench warfare.
Battle of Ypres	1914-1918	Belgium	Series of battles characterized by heavy gas attacks.
Battle of Verdun	1916	France	Long and costly battle with massive casualties on both sides.
Battle of the Somme	1916	France	Another extremely costly battle with devastating losses, particularly for the British.
Battle of Passchendaele	1917	Belgium	Infamous for its horrific conditions and high casualties.
Russian Revolution	1917	Russia	Led to Russia's withdrawal from the war.
German Spring Offensive	1918	Western Front	Last major German offensive, initially successful but ultimately failed.
Allied Counter-Offensive	1918	Western Front	Decisive Allied victory that led to the end of the war.

3. The Home Front

The war had a profound impact on the home fronts of all participating nations. This included:

• Propaganda: Governments used propaganda to maintain public support for the war effort.
• Total War: Mobilization of all resources, including industry and labor, for the war effort.
• Women's Roles: Women took on jobs traditionally held by men.
• Rationing: Food and other essential goods were rationed to ensure supplies for the troops.
• Conscription: Compulsory military service was introduced in many countries.

4. The Treaty of Versailles and its Consequences

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, formally ended the war. Its terms had significant consequences:

• War Guilt Clause: Germany was forced to accept full responsibility for the war.
• Reparations: Germany was required to pay massive reparations to the Allied powers.
• Territorial Losses: Germany lost territory to France, Poland, and other countries.
• Military Restrictions: Germany's military was severely restricted.
• League of Nations: The Treaty of Versailles established the League of Nations, an international organization aimed at preventing future wars.
• Resentment in Germany: The Treaty of Versailles fostered resentment and instability in Germany, contributing to the rise of extremist ideologies.

5. Different Perspectives

The First World War was experienced differently by different people. Consider the perspectives of:

• Soldiers: The horrors of trench warfare, the psychological impact of the war, and the loss of comrades.
• Civilians: The impact of rationing, propaganda, and the loss of loved ones.
• Women: The opportunities and challenges presented by women's increased roles in the workforce.
• National Leaders: The political motivations and strategic decisions that shaped the war.

6. Assessment Considerations

When answering questions on the First World War, consider:

• Cause and Consequence: Clearly link causes and consequences.
• Historical Context: Demonstrate an understanding of the broader historical context.
• Different Perspectives: Acknowledge and explain different perspectives on the war.
• Evidence: Support your arguments with relevant evidence.