In World War I, Russia fielded the largest army, mobilizing an estimated 12 million soldiers throughout the conflict. This immense military force was a reflection of Russia's vast population and its strategic needs across a sprawling front.
Manpower Mobilized by Key Powers
World War I saw an unprecedented scale of military mobilization, with millions of men called to arms by the major combatants. The total manpower raised by the Central Powers and the Allied forces during the war highlights the sheer scale of the conflict.
The following table details the approximate number of personnel under arms for several key nations involved in the war:
| Nation | Manpower Mobilized (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Russia | 12 million |
| Germany | 11 million |
| Austria-Hungary | 7.8 million |
| Ottoman Empire | 2.9 million |
As evident from these figures, Russia's military machine was numerically superior, drawing heavily on its large population base. Germany also commanded a formidable force, mobilizing 11 million soldiers, making it the second-largest army.
The Scale of Mobilization
The sheer number of soldiers involved in World War I transformed warfare and stretched the resources of every nation. Countries like the United States, while entering the war later, also had to mobilize significant manpower to match the scale of the armies already engaged on the European fronts. The immense scale of these armies contributed to the prolonged and devastating nature of the war, demanding extensive resources for training, supply, and maintenance.
For more information on the global conflict, you can explore general resources on World War I.
