World War I began more than a hundred years ago, on 28th July 1914. The trigger was initially the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, produced a "domino effect," where European powers, bound by pre-existing international alliances, chose sides and fell into a catastrophic war. It began as a European war, pitting Allied powers against Central powers. However, soon enough, it became international, involving a long list of countries from Africa, North and South America, Asia, and Oceania.
Trench warfare that became such a significant part of World War I ensured the battle lines moved ever so slowly, at least until the war's final stages. The grinding quality gets captured remarkably well by EmperorTigerstar's YouTube video, "World War I: Every Day," which depicts "the changing front lines of World War I every day from Austria-Hungary's declaration of war to the armistice of November 11, 1918." In addition, it includes the changing front lines in Africa and the Pacific.
Legend:
- Burgundy = Areas militarily occupied by the Central Powers.
- Maroon = Central Powers and annexed lands.
- Red = Central Power puppet or client states.
- Pink = Central Power gains for that day.
- Brown = Central Powers in an armistice.
- Blue = Central Powered lands militarily occupied by the Allies.
- Dark blue = Allied powers.
- Light blue = Allied gains for that day.
- Blue-grey = Allied powers in an armistice.
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