The war often referred to as "The Great War" is World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1918. This global conflict primarily involved European powers but eventually drew in nations from around the world. The war was characterized by trench warfare, new weaponry, and unprecedented levels of destruction and loss of life. Initial causes included complex alliances, nationalism, and militarism, sparked by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary. The war concluded with the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which imposed significant penalties on Germany and redrew the map of Europe, setting the stage for subsequent global conflicts.