Reasons for Involvement
- U.S. Entry: German unrestricted submarine warfare, including the sinking of the Lusitania, prompted the U.S. to join the Allies in 1917.
- Italy’s Involvement: Italy joined the Allies after a secret treaty promised territorial gains.
Armistice and Aftermath
- Armistice Signed (November 11, 1918): Ended fighting, leading to the establishment of the Weimar Republic in Germany.
Terms of the Armistice
- Germany surrendered military assets.
- Occupation of the Rhineland by Allies.
- Nullification of treaties with Russia and Romania.
Results of World War I
- Defeat of Germany and Central Powers.
- Significant human and material losses.
- Collapse of empires and creation of new states.
- Economic inflation and decline.
- Emergence of new political ideologies (e.g., Communism, Nazism).
- Formation of the League of Nations.
- U.S. emerges as a major global creditor.