World War I, also known as the Great War, began in 1914 and ended in 1918. The conflict arose due to a complex web of alliances, militarism, imperialism, and nationalism that set the stage for global warfare. Triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, the war involved many nations and was characterized by trench warfare, technological advancements, and extensive casualties. Its conclusion reshaped national borders and significantly altered the political landscape in Europe. The Treaty of Versailles, which formally ended the war, imposed heavy reparations on Germany and set the stage for future conflicts, including World War II.