Not Just a European War

World War I is taught as a European conflict, but it was truly global. Over 4 million non-white soldiers and laborers served in the war — from India, Africa, the Caribbean, China, Vietnam, and the Middle East. Most were serving empires that colonized their homelands.

India alone contributed over 1.3 million soldiers and laborers to the British war effort. Indian troops fought at Ypres, Gallipoli, Mesopotamia, and East Africa. Over 74,000 Indian soldiers died in a war that was not theirs.