World War, also known as the Great War, was a devastating global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It involved most of the world’s major powers, divided into two opposing military alliances – the Allies and the Central Powers. The war started with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian nationalist in June 1914, which triggered a series of events that eventually led to the outbreak of war. The war was fought on multiple fronts, including Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

It was characterized by trench warfare, artillery bombardments, and the use of new technologies such as machine guns, poison gas, and tanks. The war caused the deaths of millions of soldiers and civilians, and DW News Today it had a profound impact on the world order. The Allies, led by Britain, France, Russia, and later the United States, were able to defeat the Central Powers, which consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in June 1919, which imposed harsh penalties on Germany and its allies.

The treaty also created the League of Nations, a precursor to the United Nations, which aimed to prevent future conflicts through international cooperation. The war had a significant impact on the world in several ways. It led to the collapse of several empires, including the Ottoman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It also paved the way for the rise of the Soviet Union and the United States as global superpowers.

The war also had a profound impact on the cultural, social, and economic fabric of the world.