All questions of First World War for UPSC CSE Exam

Overview of the Central Powers
The Central Powers were a coalition of nations that fought against the Allied Powers during World War I (1914-1918).
Key Countries Involved
- Germany: The principal force of the Central Powers, Germany sought to expand its influence and territory in Europe.
- Austria-Hungary: This multi-national empire supported Germany and aimed to suppress nationalist movements within its territories.
- Ottoman Empire: Joining the Central Powers to regain lost territories and strengthen its position, the Ottoman Empire played a significant role in the conflict, particularly in the Middle East.
Reasons for Their Alliance
- Mutual Interests: These countries shared common goals, such as territorial expansion and countering the influence of rival powers, particularly Russia and France.
- Military Strategy: The alliance allowed for coordinated military strategies and resource sharing, strengthening their positions against the Allies.
Opposing Forces
- The Central Powers fought against the Allied Powers, which included major nations like France, Russia, and the United Kingdom, among others.
Impact of the Alliance
- The collaboration among the Central Powers led to significant battles and campaigns across various fronts, showcasing both their military strengths and weaknesses.
In conclusion, option 'A' is correct as it accurately lists the key nations that formed the Central Powers during World War I, differentiating them from the Allied Powers and other nations involved in the war.

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.

The event that led to the United States joining the First World War was the Zimmerman Telegram. The Zimmerman Telegram was a secret diplomatic communication sent by the German Foreign Secretary, Arthur Zimmerman, to the German ambassador in Mexico in January 1917. The telegram proposed a military alliance between Germany and Mexico in the event that the United States entered the war against Germany.

Background:
- Prior to the Zimmerman Telegram, the United States had maintained a policy of neutrality in the war.
- However, Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare campaign had led to the sinking of several American ships, including the RMS Lusitania in 1915, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 American citizens.
- These incidents had already strained relations between the United States and Germany.

The Zimmerman Telegram:
- In an attempt to prevent the United States from entering the war, Germany sent the Zimmerman Telegram to Mexico.
- The telegram proposed that if Mexico were to join the war on the side of Germany, they would be rewarded with financial and military support, as well as the promise of regaining territories in the southwestern United States that had been lost in the Mexican-American War.
- The telegram also suggested that Mexico should encourage Japan to join the war against the United States.

Revelation and Impact:
- The Zimmerman Telegram was intercepted and deciphered by British intelligence, who then passed it on to the United States.
- When the contents of the telegram were made public in March 1917, it caused outrage in the United States and significantly shifted public opinion against Germany.
- The telegram was seen as a direct threat to American national security and an act of aggression.
- This revelation, along with Germany's aggressive submarine warfare and other factors, led President Woodrow Wilson to ask Congress for a declaration of war against Germany.

Conclusion:
In summary, the Zimmerman Telegram was the event that ultimately led to the United States joining the First World War. The proposal of a military alliance between Germany and Mexico, as well as the threat it posed to American national security, prompted the United States to abandon its policy of neutrality and enter the war on the side of the Allies.