The Great War

The Great War, commonly known as World War I, lasted from 1914 to 1918. It was a global conflict primarily involving European nations, triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. The war saw two main alliances: the Allies, including France, Britain, and Russia, and the Central Powers, mainly Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire. Innovations in warfare, like tanks and chemical weapons, characterized the conflict. It resulted in millions of deaths and significant political changes, ultimately setting the stage for World War II due to unresolved tensions and the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles.