World War I (1914-1918) was one of the most devastating and important events in history, growing into a global conflict that affected many countries and changed the political map of the world.

World War I, also known as the “Great War” took place from July 28, 1914 to November 11, 1918. This conflict included most of the leading world powers of the time and had a huge impact on the political map, social structures, and economies of many countries.

Causes of the war:

Nationalism and Foreign Policy: The rise of nationalism led to rivalries between powers, and complex systems of foreign policy and alliances increased tensions in Europe.

Assassination of Franz Ferdinand: The assassination of Austro-Hungarian archdukeFranz Ferdinand in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, served as a catalyst for war, leading to a chain reaction of declarations of war.

The main participants:

Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire.

Entente: France, Great Britain, Russia (later replaced by the Union).

Main Fronts:

Western Front: Major battles were fought along the French-German border, where new technologies such as guns, chemical weapons, and the first tanks were used.

Eastern Front: Russia fought the Central Powers, creating a second front and dividing the opponents’ resources.

Consequences:

Huge loss of life: The war claimed millions of military and civilian lives.

Political Change: Multiple empires, including German, Austro-Hungarian, Russian, and Ottoman, collapsed, and maps of Europe and the Middle East were redrawn.

The Treaty of Versailles: In 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed, officially ending the war and imposing harsh conditions on Germany that set the stage for future conflict.

World War I left an indelible mark on history, emphasizing the terrible consequences of war and the impact of political, social, and technological changes on the world order.