World War I

Above: Map of Europe during World War I (click map to enlarge)

The United States did not enter World War I until April 1917, although the conflict had begun in August 1914. After an intense period of military buildup and imperial competition, war broke out in Europe between Germany and Austria-Hungary (the Central Powers) and Britain, France, and Russia (the Allies). Turkey quickly joined the Central Powers and Italy joined the Allies in 1915.

Above: Picture of German U-Boats moored in the dock of Lisahally

Prelude to Involvement

RUSSIAN CIVIL WAR (1918-1920)

Above: Map during the Civil War of Russia

A division arose between the Bolsheviks or Communists and the Left Socialist Revolutionaries over the terms of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, in which Russia had made sizeable land concessions to Germany. The LSR left the coalition. There were two main groups opposed to Lenin.

Above: Picture of the White Army

The non-Bolshevik left was annoyed with Lenin for having dissolved the Constituent Assembly and the White Rightists had their own grievances to grudge. The latter’s main strength was its army of volunteers stationed in the Kuban Steppes. The group had suffered greatly, was reduced in numbers but under General Denikin was still an efficient force to contend with.

RUSSO - POLISH WAR (1919 - 1920)

Above: Picture of Gen. Jozef Pilsudski

In Russia there was a change of guard. Tsarist rule came to an end and the Bolsheviks came to power. The Communist now wanted to spread their ideals and influence westwards and thus came into clash with Poland. The conflict between the two nations of Russia and Poland was also due to the federalist policy perused by Pilsudski.

Above: Map showing the Curzon Line (click map to enlarge)

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