1. Swift and Decisive Victory: Countries entered war anticipating a short and victorious conflict. German forces were perceived as having a superior military force, while the French were expected to hold out on their fortresses. However, the war prolonged far beyond expectations.
2. Trench Warfare: Neither sides anticipated the stalemates and trench warfare that characterized a significant portion of the conflict. Trenches, artillery barrages, and machine guns led to a vicious cycle of high causalities and limited territorial gains.
3. Limited Duration: War planners initially estimated the conflict would last a few months. However, military engagements, such as the Western Front, dragged on years.
4. Technological Advances: There was an overestimation of technological advancements and their decisive impact. While new technology had an influence, it wasn't as determinative as envisioned, resulting in a war attrition and heavy causalities.
5. Nationalistic Enthusiasm: The initial patriotic fervor and enthusiasm soon waned as the realities of war became evident, leading to declines in morale.
6. Civilian Casualties: The scope and severity civilian causalities were not fully anticipated. Aerial bombardments, naval blockades, and civilian displacements resulted in widespread suffering.
7. Global Conflict's Scale: While war was mainly concentrated Europe, it eventually involved colonies, territories, and allies around the world. This escalation led extensive military and political ramifications.
8. Treaty of Versailles Impact: The harsh conditions imposed on Germany the Treaty of Versailles created resentment that later contributed to World War II. The expectation that the treaty would ensure lasting peace proved untrue.
9. Political Consequences: The war's conclusion reshaped the political landscape, leading to the collapse empires (Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman) and the rise of new nations. However, the consequences were not fully understood at the beginning.
10. Social Transformations: The war's impact on women's rights, labor movement, and political activism transformed societies way that hadn't been anticipated.