World War I, also known as The Great War, occurred between July of 1914 and November of 1918. The assassination of Austria-Hungary's heir to the throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, was the trigger for the war to begin, but the causes were much deeper. Some of these causes included the alliances that had begun to be made and the regional problem in the Balkans.
Many different peace treaties were signed throughout the war, but perhaps the most important one was the one that ended it: the Treaty of Versailles.
2. World War II
Answer: 1939-1945
World War II was largely caused by the way World War I ended. The Treaty of Versailles had imposed very harsh consequences on Germany, which destroyed the country's economy and morale. Adolf Hitler, of the Nazi party, took advantage of the situation and rose to power. Nazi Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, which is widely recognized as a start date of the war (although many conflicts in Europe and Asia preceded it as well.) The Allied Powers (including the United Kingdom, the United States, China and the Soviet Union) defeated the Axis Powers (Germany, Japan and Italy.)
3. Korean War
Answer: 1950-1953
The Korean War was a conflict between South Korea and North Korea, which started in 1950 and ended in 1953. North Korea's invasion of the South was the act that officially began the war. The Koreas were separated by the 38th parallel, but both parts claimed ownership of the entire region. South Korea had the support of the United States, the United Kingdom, France and the United Nations, among many others, while North Korea was supported by the Soviet Union and China.
The conflict was one of the first proxy wars of the Cold War.
4. Seven Years' War
Answer: 1756-1763
The Seven Years' War was a conflict between the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of France. The war took place in several continents, such as Africa, the Americas and Asia, since both of their colonial territories were being disputed. The war ended with a French defeat, and the country was forced to cede several territories and islands, especially in the Americas and the Caribbean.
5. Mexican Revolution
Answer: 1910-1920
The Mexican Revolution was initially an uprising against dictator Porfirio Diaz, who had been in power as President since 1884. Diaz's term, from 1884 to 1911, became known as "El Porfiriato." In 1910, he ran in yet another election against Francisco I. Madero, and suspiciously won with a great majority of the votes.
The news of the electoral fraud spread and Diaz was kicked out of office, beginning the Mexican Revolution. This was only the start, however, as other figures like Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata, Victoriano Huerta, Alvaro Obregon and Venustiano Carranza would violently compete for power until 1929, when all major revolutionary leaders were dead and the PNR party, which would later become the PRI, was founded.
6. American Civil War
Answer: 1861-1865
The American Civil War was fought between the Union, which had abolished slavery, and the Confederate States, who desired to continue with the expansion of slavery, claiming individual states' rights. President Abraham Lincoln was the leader of the Union, which ultimately won and led to the dissolution of the Confederacy.
The war had several notable battles, such as the Battle of Gettysburg.
7. Spanish Civil War
Answer: 1936-1939
The Spanish Civil War was a conflict between Republicans, who were left-leaning, and Nationalists, who were strongly right-leaning, in Spain. The Nationalists had publicly opposed President Manuel Azaņa. Led by Francisco Franco, Nationalists won in 1939 and Franco began a term that would last until 1975.
The war inspired many literary and artistic works, from artists like Pablo Picasso and writer Manuel Rivas.
8. Hundred Years' War
Answer: 1337-1453
The Hundred Years' War, which actually lasted 116 years, was fought between the Kingdoms of England and France. There were many battles throughout the war, although there were also some periods of peace. The reason for the war was the claim for the French throne, which English King Edward III wanted.
The war finished with a French victory, which meant the House of Valois remained in power in France. One of the best known figures of this war is Joan of Arc, or the Maid of Orleans, since she took over a French army and led them to several victories before being burned at the stake by the English.
9. Russo-Japanese War
Answer: 1904-1905
The Russo-Japanese War was one of the greatest failures of Tsar Nicholas II. The war was a result of a dispute between Russia and Japan for parts of territories, specifically Manchuria and Korea. This would give the Russians a new trade route, and the Japanese new territories for their empire.
This war destroyed Russia and left the country in a very bad economic and social position. It is generally understood that this war led to the Russian army getting significant improvements, and therefore was an indirect cause for Russia's involvement in World War I and the preceding arms-race in Europe.
10. Vietnam War
Answer: 1955-1975
The Vietnam War was yet another proxy war during the Cold War, but it was one of the most important and transcendental ones. South Vietnam, supported by the United States, fought North Vietnam, supported by the Soviet Union and Cuba. American troops were surprised by the efficacy of Vietnamese soldiers. One of the most famous battles is the Tet Offensive, a surprise attack from the North that would ultimately lead to their victory. Upon the end of the war, the South and the North were unified and American forces left.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor NatalieW before going online.
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