The First World War, also known as World War I, was a global conflict that lasted from 1914

to 1918.
It was one of the deadliest and most devastating wars in history, involving many of the world's great
powers, which were divided into two main alliances: the Allies and the Central Powers.

The war began on July 28, 1914, following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-
Hungary by a Serbian nationalist. This event triggered a complex web of alliances and treaties that
drew many nations into the conflict. The major Allied powers included France, Russia, and the United
Kingdom, later joined by Italy and the United States. The Central Powers primarily consisted of
Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.

Fighting occurred on multiple fronts, with the Western Front in France and Belgium being one of the
most infamous for its trench warfare. Soldiers lived in dire conditions, facing the constant threat of
enemy fire, gas attacks, and disease. Battles such as the Somme and Verdun resulted in massive
casualties with little territorial gain, exemplifying the brutal stalemate that characterized much of the
war.

Technological advancements played a significant role in World War I, introducing new weapons and
tactics that transformed warfare. Machine guns, tanks, airplanes, and chemical weapons like mustard
gas were used extensively, leading to unprecedented levels of destruction and loss of life.

The war also had a profound impact on the home fronts. Economies were mobilized to support the
war effort, and civilians endured rationing and other hardships. Propaganda was widely used to
maintain public morale and support for the war. The conflict also spurred significant social and
political changes, including movements for women's suffrage and the beginning of decolonization
efforts.

The tide of the war began to turn in favor of the Allies in 1917, particularly after the United States
entered the war. By November 1918, the Central Powers were exhausted and facing internal
revolutions. An armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, effectively ending the fighting.

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, formally ended the war but imposed heavy reparations and
territorial losses on Germany. This treaty sowed the seeds of resentment and economic hardship,
contributing to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the outbreak of World War II two decades later.

The First World War reshaped the political map of Europe and the world. Empires fell, new nations
were born, and the League of Nations was established in an attempt to prevent future conflicts. The
war left a lasting legacy of trauma and remembrance, highlighting the human cost of global conflict
and the importance of striving for peace.