The major world event that occurred in 1914, leading to global conflicts, was the outbreak of World War I. Triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on June 28, 1914, the conflict escalated quickly due to a complex web of alliances, militarism, nationalism, and imperial ambitions among European powers. The war saw the Central Powers, led by Germany and Austria-Hungary, opposed by the Allies, including Britain, France, and Russia. This conflict would engulf most of Europe and other parts of the world, resulting in unprecedented loss of life, widespread destruction, and significant political and social changes, ultimately reshaping the 20th century.