The Great War (WWI)

The Great War, known as World War I (1914-1918), was a major global conflict primarily involving European powers, sparked by complex alliances, militarism, and nationalistic tensions. It began after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary, leading countries to mobilize for war. Trench warfare and new technology caused intense, prolonged combat with high casualties. The war reshaped political borders, led to the fall of empires (Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, Russian, German), and set the stage for future conflicts. It was a devastating conflict that profoundly affected the world, shaping 20th-century history.