World War I, or often referred to as the Great War, lasted from 1914 to 1918. This conflict involved many countries from around the world, especially in Europe, and was the result of various interconnected factors, including nationalism, imperialism, and a complex alliance system. One of the main triggers of this war was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on 28 June 1914 in Sarajevo. This assassination caused Austria-Hungary to issue an ultimatum to Serbia, in which Serbia was unable to fulfill all the conditions put forward. On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. The involvement of alliances such as Germany, Russia and France made this conflict expand dramatically. Two main alliances were formed: the Allies, consisting of Britain, France, Russia (later replaced by the United States in 1917), and Italy; and the Central Powers, led by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottomans. The main fighting took place on the Western Front, where the trenches stretched from the North Sea to the Swiss border. Battles such as Verdun and the Somme resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with little territorial change. World War I also marked the use of new military technology, including airplanes, tanks, and chemical weapons. This changed war tactics dramatically. In addition, this war affected civilian life by mobilizing resources and labor, as well as introducing the role of women in industry and the military. This conflict ended on November 11, 1918 when an armistice was signed. The Treaty of Versailles signed in 1919 ended the war officially and had severe consequences for Germany, including the loss of territory and the obligation to pay large reparations. This agreement created discontent that would ultimately contribute to the emergence of World War II. After the war, many countries experienced changes in the political and social map. The Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires were dissolved, producing new states such as Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia. The League of Nations was founded to prevent future conflict, although it was not effective. The impact of World War I included the emergence of stronger nationalism and waves of social change. This war left a complex legacy, affecting politics, economies, and societies around the world. Many countries have not fully recovered from the devastation caused by this war, creating ongoing tensions. World War I, thus, became a historical turning point that shaped the 20th century and still provides us with valuable lessons today.
