Editing First World War (section)

== Casualties ==

The First World War caused about nine million military deaths. Civilian estimates vary because deaths from hunger, disease, occupation and forced displacement were recorded unevenly. At least six million civilians died from causes resulting from the conflict. Some estimates are higher.

More than 20 million soldiers were wounded. Many survivors had permanent physical injuries or psychological trauma. Large areas of Belgium and northern France were damaged by artillery fire, military construction and destruction during retreats.

Civilian populations were subjected to occupation, deportation and mass violence. The Ottoman government's deportation and killing of Armenians from 1915 constituted the [[Armenian genocide]]. Civilians also died during invasions in Belgium and Serbia. Fighting and occupation caused further losses across eastern Europe. The Allied blockade contributed to severe shortages in the Central Powers.