The First World War lasted from 1914 to 1918 and involved the major European powers and their colonies.
Major Causes
- Rivalry among European powers and the alliance system.
- Militarism and the arms race.
- Nationalism and tensions in the Balkans.
- Imperial and colonial rivalries.
- The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28 June 1914.
Course
The war began in Europe and spread through alliances and colonial theatres, including Cameroon, Togoland, Tanganyika and German South West Africa.
Consequences for Africa
- African soldiers and resources were mobilized.
- German colonies were transferred to Britain, France, Belgium and South Africa under mandates.
- Communities experienced casualties, taxation, labour demands and economic disruption.
Consequences for the World
The war caused massive deaths, the collapse of empires, new national boundaries and political unrest. The peace settlement and resentment over its terms contributed to later international tensions.
