World War I: Crisis, End, and Global Impact
The Crisis of 1917
In 1917, a feeling of disappointment and frustration swept Europe. The war seemed endless, and life at the front was unbearable for the fighters. Hunger and misery took over from the rear, and the enthusiasm of the early days was disappearing. Protests caused widespread strikes in Britain, France, and Italy. The outbreak of the Russian Revolution and the rise of the Bolsheviks to power caused a huge change in the situation. The new Soviet government asked for an armistice and signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with the Central Powers in March 1918.
End of the War
1918 marked the final outcome of the conflict. On the Balkan front, British, French, and Italian forces defeated the Turks, Bulgarians, and Austrians. The Ottoman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire asked for an armistice, and all fighting ceased on the eastern borders. The Czechs announced their intention to form their own state, and Hungary broke all ties with Austria. On November 3, the Austrian Empire surrendered, and the emperor abdicated. On the Western Front, the Germans used the Russian withdrawal to begin a series of offensives. However, the Allies reorganized their armies and won a decisive victory in the Marne area, which forced the withdrawal of the German army. The Reich began to collapse. William II abdicated on November 9, 1918; a republic was proclaimed, and the new government, in the hands of the German Social Democratic Party, signed the armistice on the 11th. The First World War had ended.
Consequences of the War
The loss of life resulting from the war was very high, with nearly 8 million people killed, including Germans, French, and Russians. Besides, there were 6 million disabled and a large number of maimed and wounded. Mortality also increased due to lack of food, poor hygiene, and the influenza epidemic. The First World War meant the permanent loss of European hegemony in the global economy. The conflict impoverished belligerent countries. France lost its wealth, and Germany reduced its industrial and agricultural potential. Europe’s financial situation was dire, with all countries in debt. The U.S. was the biggest beneficiary of the war: the American economy became a leader in global finance, national product, and its reserves grew. Japan also benefited from the war, significantly increasing its production, especially arms. They took the opportunity to modernize their infrastructure, expand their markets, and increase exports.
The Peace of Paris resulted in a territorial restructuring in Europe. There was a breakup of the great empires with the emergence of new states: Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary. In addition, there were major political changes. Democracy was gaining ground: Germany and Austria proclaimed constitutional and democratic republics. Universal male suffrage was introduced in most of Europe, and the most relevant change was the recognition of women’s vote.
The war disrupted the social fabric of many countries. There were newly rich families who had benefited from the war business (bankers, merchants, manufacturers…) who, after the conflict, flaunted their economic power to people in need. Poverty mainly affected the owners of fixed incomes and wage earners, who saw their purchasing power decrease as prices rose. Finally, the war gave women a new role in society. Garments became shorter and more comfortable, short hair became fashionable, and women began driving cars, frequenting cafes, and freely expressing their political opinions. Thus, women’s emancipation became one of the major issues after the world wars.