Political, Social and Economic Effects of World War I World War I was part of the most defining moments in American history. This article will evaluate the social, political and economic causes and effects of the First World War. In addition to being the first World War in history and when countries first began making allies, this war was a pivotal moment in the history of our world. World War I lasted from 1914 to 1918. I will outline not only how our country was affected, but also all the other countries involved and how they dealt with losing or winning the war. This defining moment in history changed the world forever. There were many events and occasions that helped lead to the First World War. For this war to start it wasn't a single event and then all hell broke loose. It was the constant event after event that created so much tension between the countries that led to this. The first event I will talk about is the Franco-Prussian War. Otto von Bismarck was the Prime Minister of Prussia. Bismarck had adopted policies that caused 3 European wars, which ultimately led to the unification of Germany. Before unifying, they were divided culturally and politically, but when they united they began to have tensions with France which led to war. The war lasted from July 1870 to May 1871. The French ended up losing by being surrounded by German troops (Wowro). The French were the favorites, so this was very humiliating for them and made them want revenge. The next significant event I will talk about is the accession of Wilhelm II to the German throne. With the accession of Wilhelm II to the German throne in 1888, German foreign policy became more bellicose... mid-paper... on an easier war basis than it otherwise would have been,” Rockoff writes. “Actual plants and equipment were added, and because they were added in response to requests from other countries already at war, they were added in precisely those areas where they would be needed once the United States entered the war.” (Lozada) The final effect was not good but it is inevitable to avoid it due to how our economy is structured. World War I had so many effects on so many different people. For the most part, a lot of them are negative because, if you think about it, what good really comes from a war where millions of people are dying. Among all the economic, social and political effects that have changed the United States forever. Besides the death and destruction of the economy, I believe that World War I made our country stronger and definitely gave us a name around the world..