All questions of First World War for UPSC CSE Exam

The Great War: An Overview
The First World War, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, is most commonly referred to as "The Great War." This term reflects the unprecedented scale and impact of the conflict during that era.
Reasons for the Term "The Great War"
- Unprecedented Scale: The war involved more countries and produced more casualties than any previous conflict in history. Major powers of the world were engaged, making it a truly global war.
- Technological Advancements: The Great War witnessed significant advancements in military technology, including tanks, airplanes, and chemical warfare, which changed the nature of combat.
- Social and Political Impact: The war led to major political changes, including the collapse of empires (Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, Russian, and German), and set the stage for future geopolitical tensions.
Transition to "World War I"
- The Title Shift: The term "World War I" became common after World War II, as the existence of a second global conflict necessitated the distinction between the two. Initially, it was simply referred to as "The Great War" because it was the first of its kind.
- Legacy: The term "The Great War" underscores the profound and lasting effects of the conflict, including changes in international relations and the emergence of the United States as a world power.
In conclusion, while all the options have their merits, "The Great War" remains the most fitting descriptor for the First World War due to its historical significance and the scale of its impact on the world.

Introduction:
The First World War, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict that began in 1914 and lasted until 1918. It was one of the deadliest wars in history, involving multiple countries and resulting in millions of deaths and significant political and social changes worldwide.

Explanation:
The correct answer to the question is option 'a) 1914'. Here's an explanation of why the First World War began in that year:

Background:
- In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, tensions were rising among European powers due to factors like imperialism, nationalism, militarism, and a complex web of alliances.
- The balance of power in Europe was fragile, with rivalries and rival alliances forming between major powers such as Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, France, and Britain.

The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand:
- On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia, by a Serbian nationalist named Gavrilo Princip.
- This event triggered a diplomatic crisis as Austria-Hungary believed Serbia was behind the assassination and issued an ultimatum, which Serbia rejected.

Outbreak of War:
- On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, marking the beginning of hostilities.
- As Serbia was supported by Russia, a series of mobilizations and declarations of war followed, as various alliances were activated.
- Germany, supporting Austria-Hungary, declared war on Russia and its ally France. Germany also invaded Belgium to reach France quickly.
- Britain, allied with France, declared war on Germany in response to the violation of Belgian neutrality.

Global Conflict:
- With the declaration of war by major powers, the conflict quickly spread across Europe and eventually involved countries from around the world.
- The war saw the use of new weapons and tactics, including trench warfare, machine guns, poison gas, and tanks.
- Over the course of four years, the war resulted in significant casualties, devastation, and loss of life on all sides.

Conclusion:
The First World War began in 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary. This event triggered a series of diplomatic crises and declarations of war among the major powers of Europe. The conflict quickly escalated into a global war, involving numerous countries and leading to massive casualties and destruction.