World War, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It was one of the deadliest wars in history, claiming the lives of over 9 million soldiers and 7 million civilians. The war involved more than 30 countries, including the major powers of Europe, and had a profound impact on the political, economic, and social landscape of the world. The roots of the war can be traced back to the complex web of alliances that existed between the major powers of Europe.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian nationalist in 1914 triggered a series of events that led to the outbreak of war. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, which was supported by Russia, and Germany declared war on Russia, which was an ally of France. Soon, the conflict spread to other countries, and the world was plunged into war. The war was fought on multiple fronts, including in Europe, DW News Today Africa, and Asia. The Western Front, which ran from the North Sea to the Swiss border, was the main theater of war in Europe.

It was characterized by trench warfare, where soldiers dug into the ground and fought from fortified positions. The Eastern Front, which ran from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea, saw fighting between Germany and Austria-Hungary on one side and Russia on the other. The war also saw battles in the Middle East and Africa, where European powers fought for control of colonies and resources. The war had a profound impact on the political landscape of the world.

It led to the collapse of several empires, including the Ottoman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. New nations were born, including Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and Poland. The war also set the stage for the rise of totalitarian regimes, such as Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia, which would shape the course of the 20th century. The war also had a significant impact on the economy. The cost of the war was staggering, and many countries went into debt to finance it.

The war led to inflation and shortages of goods, and it disrupted international trade. The war also led to the emergence of new industries, such as the aviation and chemical industries, which would have a lasting impact on the economy. The war also had a profound social impact. The war saw the mobilization of millions of men to fight, which had a significant impact on families and communities. Women played an important role in the war effort, taking up jobs traditionally held by men.

The war also led to the emergence of new social and cultural movements, such as the Dada and Surrealist movements, which challenged traditional notions of art and society.