Look at the newspaper excerpt given on the right and answer the questions that follow:

(a) Who summarily rejected British ultimatum? Why?

(b) Why did Great Britain declare war on Germany?

(c) What was the final outcome of the war that began after Great Britain declared war on Germany? How did it affect both the countries?

(a) Germany summarily rejected the British ultimatum, which had demanded that Germany withdraw its forces from Belgium.
This is because Germany had invaded Belgium as part of its military strategy to attack France.

(b) Great Britain declared war on Germany because Germany violated Belgium's neutrality, which Britain had pledged to protect through a treaty. This invasion was viewed by the British as an unprovoked act of aggression. When Germany ignored Britain's ultimatum to withdraw its forces from Belgium, Britain responded by declaring war on Germany. Additionally, Britain was increasingly concerned about Germany’s growing military and naval power, which threatened the balance of power in Europe.

(c) The First World War ended on November 11, 1918, when Germany agreed to an armistice. The Allied Powers—which included Great Britain, France, and later the United States—won the war. The Central Powers, led by Germany, were defeated.

Effects on Germany —

1. Germany was held responsible for the war and made to pay $33 billion in reparations and sign the Treaty of Versailles.
2. Germany lost Alsace-Lorraine to France and other territories to Belgium, Poland, Denmark, etc.
3. Saar coal mines were given to France for 15 years and Rhineland demilitarised.
4. It lost all overseas colonies to the Allies.
5. Japan took over German territories in China and the Pacific.
6. German Army and navy size were severely restricted. Air force and submarines were banned.

Effects on Great Britain —

1. Britain suffered heavy loss of life and resources despite being on the winning side.
2. The war weakened Britain economically, and it lost its status as the foremost economic power.
3. Rise of the U.S. and Japan challenged British dominance.
4. British control over colonies declined, leading to nationalist movements especially in India.