Political Developments

During World War I, political developments were marked by the alliance systems, nationalistic fervor, and shifting power dynamics. Major powers divided into two main blocs: the Allies (including France, the UK, Russia, and later the U.S.) and the Central Powers (primarily Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire). The war catalyzed revolutions, such as the Russian Revolution in 1917, leading to the rise of communism, and prompted new nations to emerge from empires. The Treaty of Versailles in 1919 ended the war, imposing harsh penalties on Germany and reshaping national borders, setting the stage for future conflicts.