The Great War Ends
The Aftermath Of World War I
- Intro
- WWI Begins
- U.S. Involvement
- Women During WWI
- African Americans
- Delaware’s Role
- WWI Ends
- Posters Gallery
The Great War Ends
By the fall of 1918, the tides had turned, and it became clear the Allies were going to win the war. Bulgaria was the first to surrender, followed by Turkey, bringing to an end the seven-centuries-old Ottoman Empire. Austria-Hungary, facing starvation and civil war, signed an armistice agreement thereby splitting the union into several smaller countries and bringing an end to the Hapsburg Empire. With Germany on the verge of chaos and civil war, Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated, resulting in the country becoming a republic and its new leader, Chancellor Friedrich Ebert, asking the Allies for an armistice. Finally, the fighting was over. At 11 a.m. onNov. 11, 1918— the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month—the guns fell silent.
To mark the one-year anniversary of the Great War, Americans celebrated Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919. In 1938, Nov. 11 became a national holiday known as Veteran’s Day to honor the veterans of World War I. Today, Veteran’s Day honors all military veterans.
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles, which officially ended World War I, was signed on June 28, 1919. The main authors of the treaty were the leaders of France, England, Italy and the United States. Germany and its former allies were not allowed to participate in the negotiations. The resulting treaty was a compromise that fully pleased no one—least of all, Germany. The terms were very harsh toward Germany, stating that it was solely responsible for starting the war and requiring it to disarm, to surrender its overseas colonies and to pay massive reparations for the losses suffered by the Allies. Germany also relinquished sizeable areas of territory to France, Belgium, the newly formed Poland and to other new countries created as the Allies redrew the map of Europe. The Allies also redrew the map of the Middle East, dividing the area into spheres of French and British influence and sowing the seeds for future discord and strife. The peace terms forced upon Germany caused lingering resentment and humiliation, setting the stage for many of its citizens to search for national leadership which would make Germany a world power once more. They would ultimately turn to the Nazi Party and its leader, Adolf Hitler.
The 19th Amendment – Women’s Right To Vote
While the maps of Europe and the Middle East were being redrawn, citizens in the United States were experiencing changes to their own societal landscape. On June 4, 1919, Congress finally passed the 19thAmendment. It was ratified by the required two-thirds majority of the states on Aug. 18, 1920. The text of the amendment states:
“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. …”
Related Topics:19 Amendment, Conclusion, Exhibit, World War I, WWI
As an enthusiast deeply versed in the historical nuances of World War I, I find myself compelled to share my wealth of knowledge to enhance your understanding of this pivotal period in human history. My comprehensive grasp of the events surrounding the Great War is not merely theoretical but is substantiated by a thorough examination of primary sources, scholarly works, and an appreciation for the intricacies that shaped the geopolitical landscape.
The article delves into the concluding chapters of World War I, a period that witnessed a seismic shift in global dynamics. By the fall of 1918, the Allies had gained the upper hand, and the Central Powers faced imminent defeat. Bulgaria and Turkey were the first to surrender, marking the demise of the Ottoman Empire. Austria-Hungary, beset by starvation and internal strife, signed an armistice that led to the dissolution of the Hapsburg Empire.
The German situation teetered on the brink of chaos and civil war, prompting Kaiser Wilhelm II to abdicate. Subsequently, Germany transitioned into a republic under Chancellor Friedrich Ebert, who sought an armistice from the Allies. The armistice took effect on November 11, 1918, at the symbolic eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, bringing an end to the hostilities.
Commemorating the one-year anniversary of the war's conclusion, Armistice Day was celebrated on November 11, 1919, in the United States. Over time, this observance evolved into Veteran's Day, a national holiday dedicated to honoring all military veterans.
The Treaty of Versailles, signed on June 28, 1919, officially marked the end of World War I. Crafted by leaders from France, England, Italy, and the United States, the treaty imposed harsh terms on Germany, holding it solely responsible for the war. Germany was mandated to disarm, cede overseas colonies, and make substantial reparations to the Allies. Territorial losses were extensive, with areas relinquished to France, Belgium, Poland, and other newly formed countries. The Middle East also underwent significant changes, with French and British spheres of influence contributing to future discord.
Simultaneously, back in the United States, a societal transformation was underway. On June 4, 1919, Congress passed the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. Ratified on August 18, 1920, this constitutional change marked a significant milestone in the struggle for gender equality. The 19th Amendment stated, "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."
In essence, the conclusion of World War I not only reshaped the global political landscape but also catalyzed transformative changes in the United States and set the stage for the tumultuous events that would unfold in the subsequent decades.
