World War I, often called the Great War, lasted from 1914 to 1918 and primarily involved

Europe, along with conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The war started with the
assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary, leading to a chain of military
alliances being activated. The Central Powers, led by Germany, Austria-Hungary, the
Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria, opposed the Allies, primarily composed of France, Britain,
Russia, and later Italy and the United States. The war was characterized by trench warfare on
the Western Front, leading to enormous casualties with little territorial change. Technological
innovations such as tanks, airplanes, and chemical weapons were widely used.

The war saw a turning point with the entry of the United States in 1917, bolstering the Allied
forces. The conflict ended with the Armistice on November 11, 1918, as the Central Powers
faced defeat amidst internal upheavals. The subsequent Treaty of Versailles in 1919 imposed
severe penalties on Germany, sowing seeds of discontent that would later contribute to World
War II.

Bullet Points of Key Aspects:

Start and Cause:
Began on July 28, 1914, after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
Triggered by a complex network of national alliances and militarism among major powers.
Major Alliances:
Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria.
Allies: United Kingdom, France, Russia (until 1917), Italy (from 1915), United States (from
1917).
Primary Theaters and Warfare:
Trench warfare dominated the Western Front in Europe.
Notable battles included Verdun, the Somme, and Gallipoli.
Use of new technologies like tanks, chemical weapons, and aircraft.
Major Turnpoints:
1917: United States enters the war, providing fresh troops and resources.
Russian withdrawal in 1917 due to the Bolshevik Revolution.
End of the War:
Armistice signed on November 11, 1918, marking the end of fighting.
Treaty of Versailles signed in 1919, formally ending the war and imposing harsh terms on
Germany.
Aftermath and Consequences:
Significant redrawing of borders in Europe and the Middle East.
Establishment of the League of Nations aimed at preventing future conflicts.
Set the stage for political, economic, and social upheaval, eventually leading to World War II.