The First World War seemingly began as European conflict. From the beginning, however, it had global dimensions. Several imperial forces fought each other, in Europe and in other parts of the world. Many territories of the British empire were affected by the war. The decisive military combats took mostly place in Europe; still, there were combats in the imperial territories. Moreover, and more importantly, the empire contributed to the British war effort to a large extend with resources as well as with soldiers. The colonies also contributed with their labor. All of this caused food and other shortages in the colonies. In the aftermath of the war, strained relations between London and its colonies initiated a process of imperial decline.