Tag: world war 1

Daylight Saving Time (DST)

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the practice of setting the clocks forward one hour from standard time during the summer months, and back again in the fall, in order to make better use of natural daylight. The purpose of doing so is that people will have one more hour of daylight in the afternoon and evening during the warmer season of the year.

The daylight saving time is followed in over 70 countries on various dates. In the Northern Hemisphere, Daylight Saving Time usually starts in March-April and ends in September-November. India does not follow daylight saving time; countries near the Equator do not experience high variations in daytime hours between seasons. It is mainly preferred in countries located around the Arctic Circle, as they experience large variation in daylight in the course of the year.

Several countries, including Australia, Great Britain, Germany, and the United States, adopted summer Daylight Saving Time during World War I to conserve fuel by reducing the need for artificial light.

A century ago, when DST was introduced, more daylight did mean less use of artificial light. But modern society uses so many energy-consuming appliances all day long that the amount of energy saved is negligible.

DST clock shifts sometimes complicate timekeeping and can disrupt travel, billing, record keeping, medical devices, and sleep patterns. Computer software generally adjusts clocks automatically.

There is also a disadvantage of DST which includes disruption of the body clock or circadian rhythm.

  • Circadian rhythm is the 24-hour cycle that tells our bodies when to sleep, rise, and eat—regulating many physiological processes.
  • Internal body clock is affected by environmental cues, like sunlight and temperature, and determines whether one feels wide-awake and energized or tired.

The First World War

World war 1 was a global war that Started from Europe. World war 1 began in 1914 and lasted till 1918.it was the one of the deadliest and destructive war in history, with an estimated death of 8.5 million soldiers and 13 million civilian.

The major European states were divided into 2 blocks through treaties .Britain, France and Russia had formed one block that was called Triple Entene while Germany, Hungary-Austria and Italy had formed another block that was called Triple Alliance. a mutual hatred was created between these two alliances by secret alliances that ultimately led to the first world war.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, European countries had come to dominate rest of the world either through conquest or unequal treaties. with backward countries. then the world war was started in 1914. it involved rest of the world also that is why it is called First world war.

Causes of World war 1

1. Rivalries of colonies: colonial power of Europe controlled vast overseas territories in south America, south Asia and many areas. Britain had the largest colonial empire. By the begining of 20th century, Germany had emerged as one of the most advanced Countries of Europe, however they lagged behind Britain and France. Germany was looking for a share in colonial markets. On the other hand Britain and France were following some policies to avoid Germany to achieve their goals. War was the only way for Germany to achieve their target.

2. Armament race:- All developed countries were busy making weapons for defence of their respective countries, but it led to fear and hatred among the various nations. they did not realize the outcome of growing their armaments.

3. Militant nationalism:-Nationalism became a very hot topic in Europe in 19th century. Each country wanted to become free from dominance of any other country. They wanted to be free. During this wave, Greece, Romania ,Bulgaria and Serbia became independent nations.

4. Territorial conflicts:-There were many conflicts between Turkey and some eastern European states due to territory issue. just before the start of first world war. the other European countries tried to solve the matter but Serbia was not happy and decided to start war. the France people wanted to get back Alsace-Lorraine which was taken away from them in 1870 by Germany.

5.Germany dream of becoming Superpower :-Germany always wanted to become a world leader but after 1890, the state of affairs was passed to a aggressive ang highly ambitious Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm. . he wanted to take a strong position in Europe. One by one each of the European countries became Germany’s enemy. slowly alliances were made to opposed Germany’s dominance and aggression.

Participation in war

The Russians declared support for Serbia that provoked Germany. On 4th of August ,Britain declared war against Germany. .Austria-Hungary declared war on Russia on 6th August. Turkey and Bulgaria joined war on Austria -Hungary side. Japan also joined war on the side of Britain. Later USA also joined war on the side of Britain.

result

it was the one of the deadliest and destructive war in history. Russia was badly defeated by Germany. The combined forces of USA, Britain and France were defeated Austria, Hungary and Germans .on the other hand, Turkey lost the territories to Palestine, Iraq, Syria and others. Germany lost many island in the east. The war came to an end in 11th of November 1918. and Treaty of Versailles was signed later.