Why was the first world war called the great war?

The Great War: A Pivotal Moment in World History

The First World War, also known as World War I, left an indelible mark on the world. Between 1914 and 1918, millions of soldiers from various countries laid down their lives, nations were reshaped, and the global balance of power was forever altered. No wonder, the war gained the moniker "the Great War". But why was it called so?

Origins of the Term "the Great War"

Before delving into the reason behind the term, it is essential to understand the chronological context. The First World War was the culmination of a series of complex webs of alliances, military and economic rivalries, as well as ideological conflicts across Europe. The term "the Great War" was first used in 1914, shortly after the war commenced. It was likely coined by British journalists to emphasize the unprecedented scale of the conflict.

Five Key Factors Contributing to "the Great War" sobriquet

1. Scale and Complexity:

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   • The first global conflict, involving the majority of the world’s major powers, with numerous fronts and battles stretching over four years.
   • Over 65 million soldiers from 40 countries fought, killed, or wounded, accounting for approximately 14 million military deaths (Source: Encyclopedia Britannica).

2. Rise of New Global Influencers:

   • United States’ rise as a global superpower: The war marked America’s entry into major international conflicts, marking a significant shift in power dynamics.
   • Russia’s Revolution:

     • Post-war Russian Revolution in 1917, paving the way for the Russian Civil War and ultimately culminating in the establishment of the Soviet Union.

3. Devastation and Destruction:

   • Widespread destruction: Cities like Reims, Ypres, and Verdun, were completely erased from the face of the earth.
   • Economic devastation:

     • European economies were shredded, leading to increased poverty, famine, and social unrest.

4. Global Impact:

   • Global reorganizing: The war created new nations out of the old empires, such as modern-day Poland and others.
   • Reshaping of the Ottoman Empire: The war and subsequent Treaties of Sèvres and Lausanne (1920) led to the redrawing of the Middle East’s landscape.

5. Legacy and Lasting Repercussions:

   • The League of Nations: Established in the aftermath of the war with the aim of promoting cooperation and preventing future conflicts (Article 10 of the League’s Covenant; Source: League of Nations).
   • Chaos and instability: Wars, revolutions, and nationalist movements continued to sweep through Europe and the world after the war, further underlining the magnitude of "the Great War".

Table: The Scale and Complexity of the Great War

Lessons Learned and the ‘Great War’ Legacy:

The First World War, or "the Great War", forged our understanding of modern warfare’s devastating consequences. It pushed the world toward international co-operation, collective security organizations, and the importance of diplomacy. The term now serves as a testament to the war’s significance as well.

1. Lessons: The war highlighted the fragility of peace, importance of diplomacy, and interdependence of nations.
2. Legacy: We have seen numerous international organizations, such as the United Nations, form to prevent future conflicts and promote global cooperation and peace.

Final Thoughts:

In this article, we have taken a closer look at what led to the moniker "the Great War." The First World War demonstrated the devastating consequences of unresolved conflicts, the importance of international cooperation, and shaped the world as we knew it. The memories of the Great War forged a new era in politics, international relations, and global governance. Now, as we continue grappling with the complexities of interdependence and conflict resolution in the 21st century, we would do well to remember the significance and lessons of "the Great War".