Central Powers

European military alliances in 1914. The Central Powers are shown in purple, the Allies in gray and neutral countries in yellow.

The Central Powers was a group of nations fighting against the Allies during World War I; the members included Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy, Bulgaria, the Ottoman Empire, and their territories. They ultimately lost the war. The victorious Allied Forces include Great Britain, Russia, France, later the United States, and numerous smaller countries.