The Republic of Venice was once a powerful maritime state spreading across the Mediterranean and Balkan peninsula with multiple Mediterranean islands. Venetian merchants and sailors traveled across the Mediterranean Sea, selling luxurious goods and establishing Venetian influence. Throughout its millennia-old history, the Venetian political system evolved with the republic and played a crucial role in the republics prosperity. Read on to understand the political structure of La Serenissima, one of the biggest economic powerhouses of the medieval and early modern period.The DogePortrait of the Doge Francesco Foscari by Lazzaro Bastiani, c. 1460. Source: Museo Civico Correr, VeniceOne of the most prominent parts of the republics political structure was the office of the Doge. The Doge was the official representative and the leader of the Republic for over one millennium. We can trace the title to the Latin word dux, which means the leader. According to historical sources, the first Doge was Lucio Anafesto, when the office and title were ingrained. It was established to represent and lead Venetian people in pursuing autonomy from the Byzantine Empire.The Venetian leader had to be elected from one of the aristocratic merchant families. The Great Council of Venice was responsible for the Doges election to prevent a single aristocratic house from gaining too much power in the republic. The Doge had many roles in the political life of Venice and famously resided in the Doges Palace. He had a significant ceremonial role and wore distinctive attire, including a ceremonial hat and the corno ducale.The interior of the Sala Maggior Consiglio, The Doges Palace, Venice, with patricians voting on a bulletin for the election of new magistrates by Joseph Heintz the Younger, between 1648 and 1650. Source: BonhamsThe Doge had executive powershe was the naval commander and had broad duties in internal and external affairs. He was essential in establishing economic policies and signing trade treaties, the backbone of the republics prosperity. The Doge was an important part of maintaining Venetian influence through diplomacy. However, over time, the powers of the office were limited by other governing bodies like the Great Council or the Council of Ten.After the Napoleonic invasion in 1797, the office was abolished, and the last Doge was Ludovico Manin. Some of the most prominent Doges were Enrico Dandolo (1192-1205), Pietro Orseolo II (991-1009), and Francesco Foscari (1423-1457).The Great CouncilThe Final Moments of Doge Marin Faliero on the del Piombo Staircase by Francesco Hayez, 1867. Source: Pinacoteca di Brera, MilanThe Great Council of Venice, or Maggior Consiglio, was one of the most important and influential political institutions of the Republic of Venice. Like the office of the Doge, the Great Council was established with the birth of La Serenissima, or the Venetian Republic. Its origins date back to the 8th century, and over the millennium, it adapted according to the political climate. The Great Council was a true aristocratic and oligarchical element of the Venetian political system. Initially, it had 480 members from noble aristocratic families known as patricians. Over the centuries, with economic development, the number of members increased. However, it remained an exclusive political office composed of wealthy and noble merchant families.The Great Council of Venice had many functions and roles in the republic, the most important being the election of the Doge. The Great Council was responsible for assembling and selecting the electors who would choose the Doge from among the noblemen. The Great Council also held supreme legislative power, making decisions regarding the state, passing laws, and having the final word on important matters like international treaties and declarations of war. The council operated in their special chamber behind closed doors. The members were sworn to secrecy and were protective of their positions.Just as the Great Council limited the powers of the Doge, other bodies were in place to prevent the abuse of the Great Councils powers. Their actions were checked by the Council of Ten, a political office tasked with securing the stability of Venice. Over the Republics final centuries, the Great Councils influence was overshadowed by the Council of Ten. The millennium-old existence and political activity of the Great Council ended with the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797.The Council of TenThe Bacino di San Marco on Ascension Day by Canaletto, c. 1733-1734. Source: Royal Collection Trust, LondonThe Council of Ten, or Consiglio dei Dieci, was one of the prominent political institutions within the Republic of Venice. It didnt have a millennia-old legacy like the office of the Doge or the Great Council; however, its powers were as great as they got. Established in 1310, the Council swiftly became one of the most influential bodies despite its relatively recent inception. Primarily tasked with uncovering conspiracies and plots against the republic, the Council operated secretly.Comprising ten Venetian noblemen whose mandates lasted for one year, the Council wielded legislative, judicial, and executive powers. It operated behind closed doors, and its affairs were closely guarded secrets. In addition to passing laws, the Council oversaw the activities of other political entities and had the authority to prosecute offenders. The Council of Ten supervised the work of the most important institutions, such as the Doge and the Great Council.Aristocratic families viewed the Council with fear and apprehension, as it functioned like a secret service capable of accusations of treason, corruption, or espionage. Over time, its responsibilities expanded to include law enforcement and the maintenance of public order and safety. Historical sources portray the Council of Ten as both feared and renowned across the Mediterranean Sea and Europe, highlighting its influence beyond the borders of the Republic of Venice.The decline of the Council unfolded with the decline of Venice itself. The institution of the Council of Ten was abolished with the fall of La Serenissima in the late 18th century.The QuarantiaThe Hall of the Full College in Venice by Pietro Malombra, 1606-1618. Source: Museo Nacional del Prado, MadridThe Quarantia, or the Quarantia Civil Vecchia, was an important political and judicial institution in the Republic of Venice. This significant administrative body was established in the 12th century to regulate and resolve disputes among citizens and all the residents of the Republic. The aim was to create a fair and effective system of civil justice. As the name says, the Quarantia comprised forty noblemen (Quaranta meaning forty in Italian). Members of every essential and high political institution in the Republic were wealthy aristocrats, and the Quarantia was no exception.The Bucentaur in front of the Doges Palace by Canaletto, 1727-1729. Source: Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, MoscowThe Quarantia functioned primarily as a judicial body, adjudicating civil matters like contracts, property disagreements, or issues with debts and inheritances. It was also the appeals court; people unhappy with the lower courts ruling could bring their inquiries to the Quarantia. This would allow them to appeal for a review of their issues. This judicial body also had some administrative functions. Under its responsibilities were matters related to civil law and legal reform.The Quarantia functioned exactly like a court of law. Disputed parties would present their cases in front of judges, and after hearing both sides and examining the evidence, the judges would deliver their rulings. For the Republic to last as long as the Venetians did, it was necessary to have a trusted and fair judicial system. The esteemed judges of this high court were giving their best to deliver impartial and efficient rulings.Like the other Venetian institutions, the Quarantia was disbanded with the end of the Republic in 1797.The SenateThe Audience granted by the Doge of Venice in the College Hall at the Doges Palace in Venice by Francesco Guard, c. 1770-1780. Source: Muse du Louvre, ParisThe Senate of Venice, or the Consiglio dei Pregadi, was another vital institution in La Serenissima. Its primary responsibilities included foreign affairs, military matters, administration, and monetary issues. The Senate originates from the 13th century; however, according to some historical works, its origins can be traced to the Consilium Sapientium, or the Council of Wise Men. The Senate of the Venetian Republic had approximately 300 members, all high-ranking officials and Venetian noblemen.The Senate had many functions and powers: legislative authority, foreign policy, and economic and financial matters, for example. The senators drafted and proposed laws regarding legislative issues and brought them up to the Great Council to be considered. The Senate played a significant role in the Venetian diplomacy and diplomatic missions of the Republics ambassadors. By educating skilled diplomatic missionaries, the Senate had a huge role in the economic and naval endeavors of the Republic. Through their work and influence, senators participated in the most important parts of Venetian prosperity: trade, military, and finances.The Senate was a proactive institution; senators regularly met, often daily. The sessions were held behind closed doors, and a majority vote was used to make decisions. One of the most critical parts of the Venetian political system was that institutions were working and overseeing each other; that would prevent one institution from becoming too powerful. Because of this, the Senate usually worked alongside the Great Council or the Council of Ten.The Senate of the Republic of Venice remained one of the most influential political institutions until the end of the Republic in the late 18th century.Minor Councils, Administrative Divisions, & Local GovernanceProcession in St. Marks Square by Gentile Bellini, 1490s. Source: Galleria dellAccademia, VeniceIn addition to the major political bodies and institutions previously mentioned, smaller parts of the political system of the Republic of Venice were equally important for everything to run smoothly.As every political head of state, the Doge needed advisers and counselors. The Doge had six counselors, each representing one of the six districts of Venice. They were Venetian noblemen and often people of trust and provided the Doge with advice, information, and insights. They would regularly represent the Doge as ambassadors and envoys.With his six counselors and several magistrates from other political institutions, the Doge formed an executive committee known as the Colegio, or the Minor Council. The Colegio became an official political institution in the 13th century. It oversaw the work of other institutions, went through pressing matters, and was heavily involved in financial, economic, military, and diplomatic affairs.Another important political institution in the Republic of Venice was the Signoria. The Venetian Signoria was established in the 13th century to ensure the stability and security of the republic. It comprised the Doge, the Minor Council, three representatives from the Quarantia, and occasionally the Council of Ten. The Signoria was an executive political institution with legislative, judicial, diplomatic, and administrative functions. It oversaw and was a part of almost every important matter in the republic.For the Republic of Venice to manage its vast maritime empire, it was necessary to establish local governance. Venetians did this by appointing local governors, or podest. Local governors did exercise a degree of autonomy; however, they were still accountable to Venice on important issues like taxation or economic policies.Venices Political System: Pragmatic & PracticalThe Entrance to the Grand Canal, Venice by Canaletto, c. 1730. Source: The Museum of Fine Arts, HoustonThe political system of Venice was complex and unique. It was built to last, and it adapted to different political climates over one millennium. By combining elements of three very different forms of government, Venitans successfully managed their vast maritime empire. The Doge was a monarchistic element; however, his powers were limited by other political institutions. The Minor Council and the Council of Ten added oligarchic elements to Venices political system; however, their power and influence were limited by the Great Council and other political institutions. The Great Council and the election of the Doge added democratic elements to the system; however, the selection was limited to the aristocratic social class of the republic.Every political institution and legislative body in the Republic of Venice had one common goal: for the republic to flourish and become the most powerful economic force in the world. Their policies and laws were highly oriented toward economy, commerce, and manufacturing. Because of wise diplomatic endeavors and investments, La Serenissima had the most skilled sailors, captains, and admirals. Their ships were carrying precious cargo across the Mediterranean Sea and beyond. The republic would import valuable textiles, resources, and spices, which would later be sold to other states and courts.The Republic of Venice and its political system were a true symbol of the Italian Renaissance. Decisions were made in Machiavellian style, pragmatic and emotionless. Ceremonies, rituals, and elections were glorious, captivating, and full of glamorous attire. The goal was to show the prosperity and wealth of the Republic and the strength and stability of its political institutions.Further ReadingHazlitt, W. C. (1900). The Venetian Republic: Its rise, its growth, and its fall 421-1797 (Vols. 1-2). Adam and Charles Black.Jackson, T. G. (1905). Venice and its story. E.P. Dutton and Company.Lane, F. C. (1973). Venice: A maritime republic. The Johns Hopkins University Press.Norwich, J. J. (1982). A history of Venice. Alfred A. Knopf.

On June 28, 1914, a Serbian nationalist assassinated Franz Ferdinand, the Archduke of Austria and heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The event triggered a domino effect, with multiple countries declaring war based on their alliances. The conflict pitted two powerful and determined coalitions. The Central Powers of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire faced off against the Allied nations of Britain, France, Italy, Russia, and the United States.World War I Central Powers: GermanyGerman Kaiser Wilhelm II, 1905. Source: Wikimedia Commons/German Federal Archives, KoblenzThe German Empire led the Central Powers during World War I. However, the Germans did not directly initiate the conflict. Instead, Germany went to war through an alliance (known as the Triple Alliance, as it also included Italy) with Austria-Hungary. Germany had one of the largest militaries at the start of the war, with 4.5 million soldiers available, and it boasted a significant navy.When the war began, Germany immediately went on the offensive. The German Empire felt itself surrounded and threatened by the alliance between Britain, France, and Russia. The first objective was to knock out archrival France rapidly.German armies were successful in the first weeks of the war. They conquered most of Belgium and pushed into France. Closing in on Paris, a French counterattack finally stopped the advance. Fighting on the Western Front then bogged down into a war of attrition, with stagnant battle lines through trench warfare.On the Eastern Front, Russia attacked Germany first, pushing into East Prussia in August 1914, while the bulk of German forces rushed into France in the west. Although Russian forces outnumbered the Germans, the Russians were slow and disorganized. Under General Paul von Hindenburg, the Germans surrounded and forced the surrender of one Russian army group and the retreat of another.German infantry on the battlefield, photograph by Underwood and Underwood, c. 1917-1918. Source: Wikimedia Commons/US National Archives and Records AdministrationGermany slowly advanced in the east. After the collapse of the Russian government, the new Bolshevik regime negotiated a peace treaty in 1918. The agreement gave Germany control of the Baltic, Poland, and Ukraine.In East Africa, an expanded conflict took place between Germany and the Allies. While heavily outnumbered, German forces held off Allied attacks and continued fighting until the German surrender.While Germany saw success in the East, it was short-lived. In June 1918, a new western German offensive reached within five miles of Paris before halting. The Allies launched a summer counteroffensive that pushed back German lines with heavy casualties, forcing total capitulation in November.Austria-Hungarys Role as a World War I Central PowerFranz Joseph I of Austria, 1908. Source: Wikimedia Commons/Library of Congress, Washington DCThe assassination of the Archduke of Austria set off the events of World War I, making Austria-Hungary the center of the conflict in the early days. Austria-Hungary quickly declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914. Russia then declared war on the Austrian Habsburg Monarchy, which was backed (and encouraged to start the conflict) by Germany.Despite being a key European power, the Austro-Hungarian Empire had several major weaknesses. As a multi-ethnic nation, the people of Austria-Hungary spoke many diverse languages, making it difficult to organize a cohesive military force. When the war broke out, the military was also less prepared and developed than other powers forces, particularly lacking in artillery and airplanes.The main battlefronts for Austria-Hungary were Serbia, Italy, and Russia. Heavy fighting occurred on the Serbian front in 1914, causing many casualties. However, the Serbians repelled the larger Austro-Hungarian forces. German and Bulgarian assistance to their ally helped defeat and occupy Serbia in 1915.An early battle in 1914 between Austria-Hungary and Russia was the Battle of Galicia, which caused an Austro-Hungarian retreat. Russia captured significant territory. With Germanys help, the Central Powers went on the offensive against Russia in 1915. Russian forces retreated from the gains they had made earlier and continued to fall back.Austro-Hungarian soldiers on the Isonzo Front, by unknown, September 10, 1917. Source: Wikimedia CommonsFour years of endless war wore down the fragile control of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Encouraged by the Allies, various nationalities announced separation from the Empire in late 1918. This included Serbs, Croats, Slovenes, and Poles. Even Hungary declared separation from the empire. Austria and Germany proclaimed an association, but it was only a few days before the German surrender.The Ottoman Empire as a World War I Central PowerOttoman Sultan Mehmed V, by Bain News Service, 1914. Source: Wikimedia Commons/Library of Congress, Washington DCBy 1914, the Ottoman Empire was in steady decline, yet it remained a regional power in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. When World War I broke out, the Ottomans were friendly towards Germany but remained neutral for the first few months.However, while performing joint Ottoman-German naval exercises in October 1914 on the Black Sea, German ships fired on the Russian coast. The Russians then declared war directly on the Ottomans and brought them into the Central Powers pact.From the beginning of its entry into the war, the Ottoman Empire struggled to supply its military. Much of the equipment was outdated and of lower quality than their adversaries. Most of the fighting centered against the Russian Empire in the Caucasus region, east of the Black Sea. Ongoing skirmishes continued until Russia withdrew from the war in early 1918.The most famous military event for the Ottomans was the Battle of Gallipoli. The Allies decided to attack the Gallipoli Peninsula in the Dardanelles, near Turkey. The aim was to weaken the Ottoman Empire, open a direct supply line to Russia, and create a new front in the war.Ottoman cavalry in WWI. Source: Wikimedia Commons/National Library of Israel, JerusalemBritish and French attempts to sail through the Dardanelles failed in early 1915. Instead, the Allies prepared a land invasion. The Ottoman army was ready.Ottoman troops holding higher ground gunned down Australia and New Zealands attempts to land at Gallipoli. However, the fighting soon turned into trench warfare-style tactics, much like on the Western Front. Staunch Ottoman defenses finally forced the Allies to abandon Gallipoli in 1916.The Ottoman Empire collapsed following Germanys surrender in November 1918. The Allies then partitioned the former empire, and in 1923, the Republic of Turkey emerged as independent.World War I Allied Nations: Russias RolePortrait of Russian Tsar Nicholas II. Source: Wikimedia CommonsLike several other countries, the Russian Empire was not prepared for war. Less industrialized than either Germany or Austria-Hungary, Russia was in economic and political turmoil in 1914. Yet a wave of patriotism propelled the nation to military conscription to support their Serbian allies.Russia quickly went on the offensive against its main adversary, Germany. However, a lack of organization and adequate supplies rapidly reversed the tide of the war. Many Russian soldiers even went into battles without rifles.Shortly after invading East Prussia in the summer of 1914, Russian troops had to retreat. By the autumn of 1915, Russia had lost 800,000 soldiers. In response, Tsar Nicholas II, with little military experience, made a fateful decision. He removed the army commander-in-chief and took over himself.A Russian recruiting poster. The text reads: World on Fire; Second Patriotic War, 1917. Source: Wikimedia CommonsThe situation continued to deteriorate, and many Russians blamed the tsar directly. Mass casualties led to labor and food shortages, resulting in growing demoralization and political unrest.The Russian Brusilov Offensive in Galicia, from June to September 1916, against Germany and Austria-Hungary, led to some success and advances into enemy territory. However, extended Russian lines and expanded German reinforcements at the front turned the tide of battle, forcing another Russian retreat.The February Revolution of 1917 led to Tsar Nicholas IIs abdication. The new provisional government tried to continue the war effort, but with little success. Later that year, the Bolsheviks seized power, promising to end Russias involvement in World War I.In 1918, the Bolshevik government signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with the Central Powers. The armistice ended Russias commitments to the Allies and finished their war effort. The deal restored peace, but the Russians lost significant territory and population in the deal, including much of their essential grain production.World War I Allied Nations: FrancePortrait of French President Raymond Poincare, photograph by Traumrune, 2022. Source: Wikimedia CommonsFrance faced the full force of German power on the front lines of the Western Front. The first few weeks of World War I witnessed German armies marching through Belgium and into French territory on their way to Paris. Germanys strategy was to knock out the French, followed by the Russians and British.France and Germany despised each other. France had lost its eastern territory of Alsace-Lorraine to the Germans in the 1870 Franco-Prussian War. The French saw the new conflict as an opportunity to recover the region.The First Battle of the Marne, in September 1914, stopped the German advance and saved the French Republic. The Germans were just 30 miles from Paris when French commander Joseph Joffre launched a successful French and British counterattack.Following the Marne, both sides raced towards the North Sea coast, trying to outflank each other. The result was hundreds of miles of trenches dug throughout northern France and part of Belgium that turned into a stalemate. Yet the war remained on French soil throughout, draining France both economically and psychologically.Perhaps the most significant confrontation for France was the Battle of Verdun in 1916 in northern France. Verdun was also one of the largest battles of World War I on the Western Front. The German attack began on February 21. Germans seized fortified posts near the city. However, French reinforcements soon arrived, preventing Verdun from falling. The battle lasted over 300 days, with casualties of hundreds of thousands of men on both sides.A group of French soldiers in Paris, c. 1914-1915. Source: Wikimedia Commons/Library of Congress, Washington DCFrance fought the war in other geographic locations, such as Gallipoli and the Middle East. The Allied Nations and Central Powers signed the Treaty of Versailles, officially ending the war, in Paris in 1919. In the agreement, France took possession of Alsace-Lorraine.Britain as a World War I Allied NationBritish Prime Minister David Lloyd George, by A. & R. Annan & Sons, 1915. Source: Wikimedia Commons/The New York Times Current History: The European WarThe German invasion of Belgium and France brought Great Britain into the war. Britain promised to protect Belgian independence and already had an alliance with France. Britain had the largest empire but the smallest regular army among the major combatants. However, the massive British Navy dominated the seas.The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) was dispatched to France and saw action immediately. British forces included Dominion and Colonial troops throughout the empire. These troops saw action in most battles and on many fronts.One significant clash involving British troops came in April and May at the Second Battle of Ypres in Belgium. This is where Germany first launched poisonous gas against Allied lines. Canadian and Indian soldiers fighting under the British flag took the brunt of the attack. Though casualties were high, the British-led forces held the line.The Battle of the Somme lasted from July to November 1916 and became one of the bloodiest battles in history. The Allies planned a decisive offensive, but the Germans were prepared for the assault. On the first day alone, 20,000 British and Empire soldiers died in battle. By the end of the battle, the Allies had gained a total of six miles and suffered 600,000 casualties.Men of the Notts and Derby Regiment marching along the Amiens-St. Quentin Road, from Foucancourt, near Brie, Somme, March 1917. Source: Wikimedia Commons/Imperial War Museum, LondonBritain actively participated in the failed attack on the Ottoman Empire at Gallipoli. However, British troops made gains by taking Ottoman territories in the Middle East.The navy saw much action in the war. British ships blockaded German coastal areas. They also worked to protect Allied shipping from German U-boat (submarine) attacks. The Battle of Jutland saw a direct encounter between large British and German dreadnoughts. Although the battle was indecisive, Britain maintained its overall naval superiority.The United States in World War I as an Allied NationAmerican President Woodrow Wilson, by Harris & Ewing, 1914. Source: Wikimedia Commons/Cowans AuctionsIn 1914, most Americans supported the Allied nations but still wanted to stay out of the war in Europe. President Woodrow Wilson agreed and maintained strict neutrality. Then came the sinking of the RMS Lusitania.In May 1915, a German U-boat torpedo sank the British passenger ship RMS Lusitania. One thousand two hundred passengers died, including 128 Americans. Resentment against Germany grew. As a response, the German government temporarily backed off on unrestricted attacks on Allied shipping.The status quo held, and Wilson was re-elected on a neutrality platform in 1916. However, in 1917, Germany resumed open attacks on Allied ships in an increased effort to win the war. Then, revelations of a secret German telegraph urging the Mexican government to attack the United States emerged. On April 6, 1917, America declared war.Within months, the United States was sending massive supplies of material and personnel across the Atlantic Ocean. In early 1918, American troops finally went into battle, helping to turn the tide of the war.American soldiers celebrate Armistice, by Cassowary Colorizations, 2018. Source: Wikimedia CommonsThe German Spring Offensive launched on March 21, 1918. Fresh American forces helped the weary Allies repel the assault and prepare for a counterattack.The American Expeditionary Force played a key role in the Allied Hundred Days Offensive in the autumn of 1918. On September 26, the United States launched the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. In a little over a month, 1.2 million Americans drove the Germans back 40 miles.The United States was actively involved in post-war talks. President Wilson pushed for a world body to resolve future conflicts as part of the Treaty of Versailles. However, the US Senate refused to ratify the deal, keeping America isolated and out of the new League of Nations.Italy in World War I: From a Central Power to an Allied NationOfficial portrait of King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy in uniform, by Mario Nunes Vais, 1918. Source: Wikimedia CommonsItaly joined the Central Power alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary in 1882. The coalition made geographical and political sense, as Italy worried about a potential attack from France in the West. Still, the Italian government decided to remain neutral when World War I broke out, claiming it was not under obligation to provide military assistance for Germanys offensive military actions.Despite their alliance, much political friction continued between Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In particular, Italy wanted to annex Italian-speaking populations within the empire. Britain and France promised to support Italian annexation if the Italians joined the Allies. On May 23, 1915, Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary.Italian troops firing on Austro-Hungarian positions, photograph by an Italian Army photographer. Source: Wikimedia CommonsNumerous actions occurred, but three major campaigns dominated the Italian Front. The Battle of the Isonzo was one of twelve smaller skirmishes from 1915 to 1917. Italy initiated most of the attacks but made little progress against Austro-Hungarian defenders in the mountainous and watery terrain.The final campaign in the Battle of the Isonzo became known as the Battle of Caporetto. By the fall of 1917, both sides were exhausted. However, Germany sent troops to reinforce the Austro-Hungarian line. Poisonous gas attacks caused the Italian forces to retreat more than 90 miles with heavy losses. Overextended supply lines ended the offensive after several weeks.Italy launched a new offensive in October 1918, known as the Battle of Vittorio Veneto. It was a decisive victory. Troops pushed the Central Powers out of Italian territory and into Austria-Hungary. The fighting continued as the empire collapsed, leading to an Austrian surrender on November 3.Italy incorporated some of the territories of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. However, many Italians, especially nationalists, felt they should have taken more land after the long war. The idea that WWI led to a mutilated victory was one of the factors leading to the rise of nationalism and fascism in the 1920s.Other nations besides the major powers listed were involved in the Great War. Bulgaria fought with the Central Powers. Dozens of countries and dominions fought on the Allied side. Japan battled German outposts in the Pacific region. The colonies of Britain and France sacrificed their populations in the Allied war effort, many hoping their struggles would lead them to independence.

Gearbox has confirmed the exact Borderlands 4 launch times in all regions, meaning the wait to play the hotly anticipated new FPS is finally almost at an end. Ive had a long history with the series; I picked up the first Borderlands on a whim, not expecting it to consume hundreds of hours of my life with its beautiful blend of shooting and looting. Since then, its been through many incarnations, and the more I see of BL4 the more Im starting to feel the itch to get back to the vault hunter lifestyle. Thankfully, it wont be much longer. Continue reading Here's the exact minute you can start playing Borderlands 4, so get readyMORE FROM PCGAMESN: Borderlands 4 release date, Borderlands 4 characters, Borderlands 4 system requirements

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