World War I (short version)

100 years ago ended a war whose intensity and scale the world had never before seen.

A war that involved more than 60 million soldiers around the globe.

In this video, we retrace the origins, events and consequences of World War I.

To understand the origins of World War I, we start in 1871

at the end of the Franco-German war between the French Empire

and the Confederation of North Germany, allied with the German states of the south.

After 6 months of fighting, France is defeated and the victors unite to form the German Empire.

Alsace and Moselle are annexed to the new empire, frustrating the French side.

In the following years, Germany would greatly advance its industry and economy.

The country also builds alliances, first with the Austro-Hungarian Empire

and then with Italy, which is frustrated by France colonizing Tunisia.

The three form the Triplice or Triple Alliance.

Growing in power and status, Germany begins colonizing African territories.

For its part, France allies with the Russian Empire and signs a secret pact of non-aggression

with Italy, thus avoiding a second front in case of war.

The British Empire fears the rise of the German army, more specifically of its navy.

Britain comes out of isolation, moves closer to France, and then to Russia.

Together, they form the Triple Entente.

In the Balkans, the Austro-Hungarian Empire annex Bosnia and Herzegovina,

much to the displeasure of neighboring Serbia which dreamed of one day uniting the South Slav people.

This project appeals to Russia, which diplomatically allies itself with Serbia.