The historical event often referred to as "The Great War" is World War I, which occurred from 1914 to 1918. It was termed the Great War due to its unprecedented scale, involving many of the world's great powers and resulting in extensive loss of life and widespread destruction. The war introduced new military technologies and tactics, including trench warfare and chemical weapons. Its aftermath significantly reshaped international relations, leading to the Treaty of Versailles and setting the stage for subsequent geopolitical tensions, particularly World War II.