The First World War refers to a global military conflict that took place from 1914 to 1918. It is often referred to as the Great War or the War to End All Wars. This monumental conflict involved numerous countries and led to widespread devastation and loss of life. It mainly took place in Europe, although its impact was felt worldwide.
The First World War was primarily fought between two opposing alliances: the Entente Powers, consisting of France, Russia, and the United Kingdom, and the Central Powers, which included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire. The war was triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in June 1914, sparking a series of conflicts and declarations of war among the major powers.
This war witnessed the introduction of new military technologies on a massive scale, including machine guns, tanks, aircraft, and chemical weapons. Trench warfare became a dominant feature, characterized by extensive networked trenches in which soldiers on both sides would defend and attack. The war resulted in a staggering loss of life, with estimates of around 17 million deaths, including both military personnel and civilians.
The First World War significantly reshaped the geopolitical landscape, ultimately leading to the dissolution of empires and the emergence of new nations. In addition to the loss of life and destruction, this war planted the seeds for subsequent global conflicts, such as the Second World War, due to unresolved territorial disputes and unresolved political tensions.
