In the year of 1918 exactly 100 years ago on this day, the treaty of Armistice mark the end of world war one. The world is remembering this day with respects for the departed souls. In summer 1914, Britain, France, and Russia were bonded in a “Triple Entente,” while Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy were bound in a Triple Alliance. These conflicting alliances from previous wars pulled and tugged at the structure until it came tumbling down on June 28, when a Serbian nationalist killed the visiting Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir apparent to the Austro-Hungarian throne. With nationalist elements threatening to pull its empire apart, Austria-Hungary struck back at Serbia, who then called on its ally Russia for aid. That inspired Germany to declare war on Russia and France, and Great Britain to respond with a declaration of war on Germany. Japan, allied with Britain, followed suit.
Global memorials have centred on Paris, where more than 60 heads of state and government gathered at the Arc de Triomphe, where an unknown soldier killed in the war is buried. Joining the French president, Emmanuel Macron, were the presidents of the US and Russia, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, and the Irish Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar.
Donald Trump Tweeted ” Beautiful ceremony today in Paris commemorating the end of World War One. Many World leaders in attendance. Thank you to @EmmanuelMacron, President of France! Now off to Suresnes American Cemetery to make speech in honor of our great heroes! Then back to the U.S.A.”
Thousands of people have gathered across Britain and around the world to mark the centenary of the armistice that ended the First World War.
At the Cenotaph in London, the Queen, the Prime Minister, Theresa May, the leader of the opposition and other political and military leaders were united with packed crowds who stood in silence to pay their respects. The two minutes’ silence at 11 o’clock was marked by the striking of Big Ben, specially brought out of its temporary retirement. The Prince of Wales, laying a wreath on behalf of the Queen, was followed by the German president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
> Alma Siddiqua
100 Years of the End of WWI
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