World War I, or World War I for short, took place from August 3, 1914 to November 11, 1918. A timeline is also available to better understand the important events and changes in World War I.
The causes of World War I were complex and varied, but the following factors were more important:
Nationalist conflicts: There are contradictions and conflicts between several peoples and states in Europe, such as Austria-Hungary and Serbia.
Imperialist competition: Tensions arose through fierce competition among European powers for colonies and resources.
Arms race: The build-up of military power by the major powers creates a tense international situation, especially the threat posed by Germany's military expansion to other countries.
Political alliances and ententes: Countries strengthened their security through political alliances, but they also increased international tensions, such as those formed by the allied Germany and Austria-Hungary.
Sarajevo Incident: On June 28, 1914, the assassination of Crown Prince Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Serbian nationalists became the trigger. Austria-Hungary used this as a pretext to declare war on Serbia, triggering a series of declarations of war and mobilizations. Eventually, the European countries were divided into two camps: the Central Powers and the Entente, and World War I broke out.
World War II, or World War II for short, took place from September 1, 1939 to September 2, 1945.
The cause of World War II was also due to a combination of factors:
The unfair terms of the Treaty of Versailles: After the end of World War I, Germany was forced to accept harsh reparations and territorial cedes, and domestic discontent grew.
Great Depression: The global economic crisis has led to hardship and heightened extremism and nationalism.
Rising Totalitarianism and Aggression: Aggression by fascist states such as Germany, Italy, and Japan, such as the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany, the establishment of Mussolini's regime, and Japan's all-out war of aggression against China.
Failed international cooperation: International organizations such as the League of Nations failed to effectively prevent war.
The Munich Agreement and Appeasement: The compromise of the Western powers with Germany emboldened the leaders of totalitarian countries such as Hitler and encouraged their expansionist behavior.
To sum up, both World War I and World War II were due to complex factors in various aspects and changes in the international pattern, which led to the outbreak of large-scale and far-reaching wars around the world. Understanding the timing and causes of these two wars helps us better understand the formation and complexity of the modern world.
We need to recognize that the devastation and suffering that war brings to human society is enormous. As a modern society, we should cherish peace, advocate cooperation and reconciliation, and work together to create an international environment of stability, harmony and development.