World War I, also known as the Great War, was a global military conflict that occurred from 1914 to 1918. It was the first major war of the 20th century and involved many of the world's great powers, dividing them into two main alliances: the Allied Powers, consisting primarily of France, Russia, and Britain; and the Central Powers, which included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire.
The war was sparked by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914. This event triggered a series of diplomatic and military escalations that eventually led to a widespread conflict. World War I was fought on multiple fronts and involved various forms of warfare, including trench warfare, aerial combat, and the use of new weapons such as chemical gases.
The war resulted in massive casualties and extensive destruction, with over 10 million military personnel and approximately 7 million civilians losing their lives. It also contributed to significant political and social changes, notably the downfall of several empires and the emergence of new nations.
The signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 officially ended the war, establishing new political boundaries, imposing reparations on Germany, and paving the way for future conflicts. World War I had a profound impact on subsequent world events and is considered a major turning point in history.
