Figure 1.--The European militaries by the time of World War I had begun to increase the age of enlistment. Still many teenagers were involved in the War. This young German soldier has been awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class and the Bavarian Military Cross. One wonders what he did to earn these decorations.

Here we will collect overviews of the experiences of individual countries in World War I. The central conlict was the tension between Germany and France. This time French diplomats were careful not to face Germany alone. In the end, Germany defeated Russia and destroyed the offensiveccapability of the French Army, but was defeated by the British and American Armies. The war in many ways was the central event of the 20th century and the consequences of the War affected much of the 20th century and have not yet fully played out. We do not yet have many extensive country entries here, but have begun to collect information. Here we have included notonly the belligerent countries, but also colonies and areas that were to emerge as independent countries after the War.

Individual Countries

We have developed information on the World War I experiences in individual countries, both beligerants and neurel countries.

Countries A-E

Countries F-L

Countries M-Z

Regional Developments

At the time of World War I, little regional organization was possible. Wurope except for a few neutralswas divided into warring camps, in part because so much of Europe was dominated by the great empires (Austria-Hungary, German. Ottoman, and Russian), al of which were belgerants. Most of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East were colonies or proitectorates. The one world region where a degree of regional organizatioin was possible was Latin America, much of which achieved independence during or in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe.

Created: 8:21 PM 7/8/2004
Last updated: 7:42 AM 4/6/2009