World War I

Definition

World War I was a major global conflict that took place primarily in Europe between 1914 and 1918. It involved many of the world's leading powers divided into two opposing alliances: the Allies (including France, Russia, and the United Kingdom) and the Central Powers (primarily Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Turkey).

Related terms

Treaty of Versailles: This was the peace treaty that officially ended World War I. It held Germany responsible for starting the war and imposed heavy penalties.

Alliances: In a historical context, these are agreements between countries to support each other in times of war. Alliances played a major role in both starting and escalating World War I.

Trench Warfare: This was a type of combat used extensively in World War I where opposing troops fought from trenches facing each other across a battlefield. It led to high casualties and is one of the defining features of World War I.