When WWI started, the alliances split into two political sides.

Which countries were on each side?

Central Powers
Allied Forces
Neutral

1 answer

At the start of World War I in 1914, the major alliances were divided into two sides: the Central Powers and the Allied Powers. Here’s a breakdown of the countries involved on each side, as well as some neutral nations:

Central Powers

  1. Germany
  2. Austria-Hungary
  3. Ottoman Empire (now Turkey)
  4. Bulgaria (joined in 1915)

Allied Powers

  1. France
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Russia (until 1917, when they withdrew due to the Bolshevik Revolution)
  4. Italy (joined in 1915, was initially part of the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary but switched sides)
  5. United States (joined in 1917)
  6. Japan
  7. Belgium
  8. Serbia
  9. Greece (joined in 1917)
  10. Portugal
  11. Romania (joined in 1916)

Neutral Countries

  1. Switzerland
  2. Spain
  3. Netherlands
  4. Norway
  5. Sweden
  6. Denmark
  7. Iceland

These lists are not exhaustive, as many other nations had varying degrees of involvement and allegiances. Neutral countries often remained outside the conflict for various political or geographic reasons.