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Geography greatly affected the events and outcomes of World War I. As World War I was one of the first true global conflicts, it was shaped by the influence of multiple nations and each countries unique problems. Other factors helped shape the war and changed the course of fighting. With the rise of imperialism and a desire for resources, the war involved almost all European nations, and was therefore fought on several fronts. Geographic barriers created diversions and weather patterns helped in leading the Allies to victory. Also, the new spread of technology along with trench warfare and disease eventually led to the defeat of Germany and Austria-Hungary.〔Stearns, Peter N., Michael Adas, and Stuart B. Schwartz. World Civilizations, The Global Experience. 5th. Longman, 2007.〕 ==Background== Imperialism before World War I had been on the rise since the mid-nineteenth century because industrialization had caused a growing need for natural resources. Regions like Africa and India had been settled by European countries in order to make profit and extend power.〔Wood, Ethel. AP World History, An Essential Coursebook. Reading, Pennsylvania: Woodyard, 2008. 466-495. Print.〕 Tensions began to rise as nations formed alliances with one another to improve their strength. Due to geographical closeness, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy came together as the Triple Alliance and later became the Central powers due to their central positioning in Europe. France and Britain became allies along with Russia in order to defend their borders and support each other in case of war. Conflicts in the Balkans grew steadily, and after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, alliances drew almost all European nations and colonies into what would become known as World War I. ==The Fronts== Due to the geographical positioning of the Triple Entente, the Central Powers were faced on all sides by their enemies. Once Italy had joined in on the side of the Allies, the war became a three front war. The bigg Western front was in France, and Italian Front in the mountains of Italy, and the Eastern Front was on the border of Russia.〔"McMURRY,FRANK M. ." THE Geography of The Great War. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Jan 2012. ==Battles== Throughout major battles in the war, geography influenced the method of fighting and often the victor. At Ypres, many men died by drowning in thick, liquid mud and fighting conditions were awful〔"Major Battles of World War I." Ypres. Web. 2 Jan. 2012. Fighting on the Italian Front involved the Swiss Alps and other mountains Rivers, such as the Isonzo were fought over, to gain access to supplies and resources. The domination of seas was important because naval fighting was also a true sign of power. The vastness of Russia made it difficult for the Germans to reach, and once they dropped out of the war their front was simply used to catch the Central Powers on both sides.〔Stearns, Peter N., Michael Adas, and Stuart B. Schwartz. World Civilizations, The Global Experience. 5th. Longman, 2007.〕 ==Weather== Brutal winters diminished supplies and left both sides cold, starving, and wet. Lack of shoes and good clothes caused vulnerability and the spread of disease. Rain, snow, heat, and cold all played their role in World War One because of the giant amount of areas the war was fought in.〔Wood, Ethel. AP World History, An Essential Coursebook. Reading, Pennsylvania: Woodyard, 2008. 466-495. Print.〕 ==Transfer of Knowledge== The Atlantic Ocean was home to submarines, naval ships, and also the transfer of goods. Domination on the seas was necessary for getting supplies, people, and weapons from place to place. With new technology, ideas were able to spread quickly and new warfare was created by both sides such as poison gas. Communication also played a role in getting the United States to join the war. The interception of the Zimmerman Telegraph as well as the sinking of the Lusitania both helped persuade the U.S.A. in joining the war.〔"Tunnelling." Spartacus Educational. n.d. n. page. Web. 2 Jan. 2012. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Role of geography in World War I」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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