The First World War (1914 to 1918)
Study note
The First World War broke out in 1914. The event that helped to trigger it was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, so remember his name as the figure whose killing set things off. The war lasted four years, from 1914 to 1918.
Britain fought on the side known as the Allied Powers. This side included France, Russia, Belgium, Serbia and later the United States. They were ranged against the Central Powers, which were mainly Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire. So if asked, Britain was with the Allied Powers and Germany and Austria-Hungary were among the Central Powers. The whole of the British Empire was drawn into the conflict, which finally ended in 1918.
Memory tip: WWI 1914 to 1918; Allies (Britain, France, Russia) vs Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary).
Practise this topic
Question 1 of 4
Whose assassination in 1914 helped trigger the First World War?
Show all questions and answers for The First World War (1914 to 1918)(4 questions with explanations)
The First World War (1914 to 1918): questions, answers and explanations
1. Whose assassination in 1914 helped trigger the First World War?
- Tsar Nicholas of Russia
- Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany
- Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria
- King George V
Correct answer: Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria helped set off the First World War.
2. Britain fought in the First World War as part of which side?
- The Commonwealth
- The Allied Powers
- The Axis powers
- The Central Powers
Correct answer: The Allied Powers
Britain was part of the Allied Powers in the First World War.
3. Germany and Austria-Hungary fought in the First World War as part of which group?
- The Central Powers
- The Allied Powers
- The Axis powers
- NATO
Correct answer: The Central Powers
Germany and Austria-Hungary were among the Central Powers.
4. The First World War began in 1914; in which year did it end?
- 1945
- 1918
- 1916
- 1920
Correct answer: 1918
The First World War lasted from 1914 to 1918.
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