World War I in 1917: Russian Revolution and US Entry
World War I Context: Alliances and Early Phases
World War I, which broke out in 1914, originated from a complex web of conflicts, particularly economic rivalries stemming from the Second Industrial Revolution. This era led to increased competition for global resources and fueled rising militarism and violence.
Contributing Factors to WWI
- Formation and expansion of colonial empires.
- An arms race, driven by the desire for new and better weapons (e.g., battleships, submarines, machine guns, airplanes, poison gas, tanks).
- Formation of rigid military blocs based on mutual support agreements.
Military Alliances
Two main blocs emerged:
- The Triple Alliance: Formed in the late 19th century, this alliance initially included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. The Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria later joined these Central Powers.
- The Triple Entente: This alliance originally comprised Great Britain, France, and Russia. Later, Belgium, Portugal, Greece, Serbia, and others joined these Allied Powers.
By 1914, opportunities for colonial expansion were scarce without resorting to conflict. Countries within the major alliances were heavily militarized. However, some nations, like Spain, Switzerland, the Nordic countries, and the Netherlands, remained neutral.
Outside Europe, the United States was initially focused on domestic issues and its sphere of influence, maintaining neutrality. Japan, meanwhile, experienced significant industrial growth and expanded its regional power, notably annexing Korea.
The Outbreak of War
Across Europe, nationalist fervor fueled public support for military action. The assassination of the Austro-Hungarian heir, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, by a Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo served as the immediate trigger. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, activating the complex system of alliances and rapidly escalating the situation into a widespread European war – World War I.
Phases of the War
Initial expectations of a short conflict proved wrong, as the war evolved through distinct phases:
Phase 1: War of Movement (1914)
This initial phase featured rapid troop movements and large battles across frontiers. However, by November 1914, the German advance into France had stalled, and the Western Front began to stabilize.
Phase 2: War of Positions (Trench Warfare, 1914-1917)
Also known as trench warfare, this phase saw armies dig vast networks of trenches, often stretching for hundreds of kilometers. Fortified with earthworks and barbed wire, these trenches became the defining feature of the Western Front. The conflict devolved into a brutal war of attrition, with both sides attempting to wear down the enemy through costly offensives. Attacks typically involved soldiers going ‘over the top’ into ‘no man’s land’ to assault enemy trenches, often resulting in horrific casualties for minimal gain. Aircraft began to play roles in reconnaissance. This stalemate largely characterized the war until 1917.
The Turning Point: 1917
The year 1917 marked a critical turning point in the war, driven by internal collapse in Russia and the entry of a new major power.
Impact of War Weariness: The Russian Revolution
The immense human and economic costs of the war severely strained all participating nations. Russia was particularly affected, leading to widespread discontent and social upheaval. The Russian Revolution erupted, culminating in October 1917 (November by the Gregorian calendar) when Lenin and the Bolshevik party seized power in a coup.
US Entry and Russia’s Exit
The new Bolshevik government sought an end to Russia’s involvement in the war and began negotiating peace with the Central Powers. Russia’s withdrawal significantly altered the strategic balance. Simultaneously, factors including Germany’s policy of unrestricted submarine warfare prompted the United States to abandon its neutrality and declare war on Germany in April 1917, joining the Allied Powers. While Russia’s exit freed up German forces for the Western Front, the arrival of fresh American troops and resources proved decisive in preventing a German victory.
Economic Shifts and Neutral Nations
Even before its formal entry, the USA had become a vital supplier of materials and credit to the Allied nations. American industry boomed, capturing global markets previously dominated by the warring European powers. This shift impacted neutral economies like Spain’s, which faced increased competition and potential trade disruptions, alongside some opportunities created by the war.