Modern History

• The Allies, led by Britain, France, Russia, Italy, and later the United States, defeated the Central Powers, led by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Turkey.
• The immediate trigger for the war was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria by Serbian nationalists, but the war was a result of tensions that had been building up for decades between the major powers.
• Germany had to pay reparations (compensation) to other countries involved in the war.
• The League of Nations was established as an international organization aimed at preventing future wars through collective security measures.
• The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany, including loss of territory, heavy financial reparations, and restrictions on its military capabilities.
• Many Germans felt humiliated and resentful towards the treaty's provisions, leading to anger and frustration among the population.
• The Great Depression, which began in 1929, contributed to growing economic instability and political unrest in Europe.