The Great War (1914-1918)

The Great War, also known as World War I, lasted from 1914 to 1918 and involved many of the world's great powers divided into two main alliances: the Allies and the Central Powers. Triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, the war was characterized by trench warfare, significant loss of life, and extensive use of new military technology. It dramatically changed political boundaries, led to the collapse of empires, and set the stage for World War II due to unresolved tensions and the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, which ended the conflict in 1919.