What led to the fall of empires as a consequence of World War I?

The rise of nationalistic sentiments played a pivotal role in the fall of empires following World War I. As the war unfolded, various ethnic groups within large empires, such as the Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, and Russian Empires, began to assert their desires for self-determination and independence. Nationalism fostered a sense of identity and unity among these groups, motivating them to seek autonomy or complete separation from ruling powers.

The aftermath of the war further fueled these nationalist desires, as empires faced significant territorial losses and political instability. Treaties, like the Treaty of Versailles and others aimed at reconfiguring Europe, often recognized and legitimized nationalist aspirations by redrawing borders and creating new nation-states. This resulted in the dismantling of several empires that had long controlled diverse populations, and ultimately, the map of Europe and parts of the Middle East was transformed, reflecting the power of nationalist movements driven by the war's realities.

In contrast, military victories by the Central Powers did not lead to the fall of empires; rather, they were defeated, effectively contributing to the collapse of their own empires. The strengthening of colonial powers and the acquisition of new territories did not occur as a direct outcome of World War