World War I, also known as the First World War or the Great War, was a global conflict that

took place from 1914 to 1918. It involved many of the world's great powers, with the central
powers primarily consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire, while
the Allied powers included France, the United Kingdom, Russia, and later, the United States.

The war's origins can be traced back to a complex web of political, military, and economic
factors. One of the primary catalysts was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of
Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo in 1914, which led to a series of alliances and declarations of
war.

The conflict can be divided into several key phases:

1. **Trench Warfare**: Much of the war was characterized by trench warfare, where soldiers
on both sides faced brutal conditions, enduring trench foot, constant shelling, and poison gas
attacks. This phase of the war resulted in a stalemate on the Western Front, where neither
side could gain a significant advantage.

2. **Eastern Front**: On the Eastern Front, the war saw major battles between Germany and
Austria-Hungary on one side and Russia on the other. The Eastern Front witnessed
large-scale offensives and devastating casualties.

3. **New Technologies**: World War I introduced new technologies of warfare, including

machine guns, tanks, airplanes, and chemical weapons, which had a profound impact on the
nature of combat.

4. **Entry of the United States**: The United States entered the war in 1917, tipping the
balance in favor of the Allied powers. Its fresh troops and resources played a critical role in
the war's outcome.

5. **Armistice and Treaty of Versailles**: In 1918, as the Central Powers were facing internal
unrest and military defeats, armistice agreements were signed, leading to the end of
hostilities. The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, formally ended the war and imposed
heavy penalties on Germany, including territorial losses and reparations.

6. **Casualties and Impact**: World War I was incredibly destructive, resulting in an

estimated 16 million deaths and 21 million wounded. It left a profound impact on the world,
leading to significant political changes, the collapse of empires, and the redrawing of national
borders.

7. **Legacy**: The war's unresolved issues and the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles
sowed the seeds for World War II. Additionally, it significantly influenced the 20th century in
terms of diplomacy, politics, and societal changes.

World War I marked a turning point in history, leading to a reevaluation of international

relations, the birth of the League of Nations (a precursor to the United Nations), and the
recognition of the need for diplomacy and cooperation to prevent future global conflicts.