SIGNIFICANCE OF WORLD WAR I

World War I was the first truly global war and had a profound effect on the 20th century.  Today, it is remembered for the horrors of warfare, the sacrifice of millions of soldiers, and the effect it had on the rest of the 20th century.

When war began in 1914, millions of young men were excited to go off to war.  Many of them viewed it as exciting adventure and went off to war in search of glory.  However, many would soon discover the horrific conditions of the trenches which World War I is best known for today.

World War I is also remembered today for the devastation it caused for both civilians and military personnel.  The use of new weapons and the horrible conditions of the trenches led to over 38 million civilian and military casualties during the course of the war.  Remembrance ceremonies occur on November 11th every year in honor of the sacrifice that many of these young soldiers made during the course of World War I.

Historians today now view the outcome of World War I, and the Treaty of Versailles in particular, as a major cause of World War II.  The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh consequences on Germany and led to the rise to power of Adolf Hitler.  Hitler rose to power with a promise to return Germany's national pride following the embarrassment of the Treaty of Versailles.