Who were the major members of WWI?
1 Answer
The belligerent countries in WW-1 consisted of two blocs: The Central Powers of Austro-Hungary, Germany, Bulgaria and Turkey. The Allies included Serbia, Russia, France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Greece, Japan, Portugal, Montenegro, Romania and the US.
Explanation:
The start of WW-1 is complex, but following the Sarajevo Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand:
1) Austria-Hungary attacks Serbia, 28/7/1914
2) Germany declares war on Russia 1/8/14 and occupies Luxembourg.
3) Germany declares war on France 3/8/14 and invades Belgium.
4) the UK (and its Dominions) declares war on Germany 4/8/14.
5) Montenegro declares war on Austia-Hungary 5/8/14.
6) Austria Hungary declares war on Russia, Serbia declares war on Germany 6/8/14.
7) Montenegro declares war on Germany 8/8/14.
8) France and the UK declare war on Austro-Hungary, 11-12/8/14.
9) Japan declares war on Germany 23/8/14; and Austro-Hungary on 25/8/14.
10) Austro-Hungary declares war on Belgium, 28/8/14
In September 1914, German and Portugese troops in Africa start a series of border clashes, and Portugal is drawn in tp the war.
In October 1914, Turkey launches a suprise attack on Russia, thus ending up at war with all of Russia's Allies.
In May of 1915, Italy joins the Allies and attacks Austrio-Hungary.
In October 1915, Bulgaria joins the Central Poers and attacks Serbia.
In August 1916, Romania joins the Allied side and is knocked out of the war in four months.
In April 1917, the US followed by Cuba and Panama join the Allied side. That June, Greece joins the Allies, and so Siam, Liberia and China in August. Brazil joins in October. Following the Bolshevik Revolution, in November 1917, the USSR negotiates a ceasefire with the Central Powers, and signs a peace in early 1918.
This is list that only mentions recognized nation states; there were tribes in Africa and colonized peoples that also entered the war on side or another. Some nations (like Persia) tried to remain neutral even though fighting occured on their territory.
