The significant consequence of World War I on European empire structures was the dissolution of several major empires. The war led to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, Russian, and German empires, which significantly altered the European political landscape. Following the war, new nations emerged from former empires, drawing new borders often without regard to ethnic and cultural divisions. This reshaping contributed to political instability and the rise of nationalist movements. Furthermore, the consequences of WWI set the stage for future conflicts, including World War II, highlighting the complexities of post-war nation-building.