Throughout history, there have been numerous conflicts that have taken the lives of millions and forever altered the world as we know it. Of these wars, two stand out in particular for their scope and magnitude—the First and Second World Wars. From 1914 to 1918, the first global conflict raged across Europe before finally ending with an armistice agreement on November 11th, 1918. The war's conclusion brought about a new order in Europe while also setting up conditions for another devastating world conflict just 20 years later.
The First World War was one of unprecedented scale and complexity. When Serbian nationalists assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary on June 28, 1914, the conflict began. This sparked a chain reaction among European nations that had formed various alliances with each other over the preceding decades (known collectively as the Triple Entente). As tensions between countries increased due to Serbia's actions, declarations of war were made throughout July 1914, which eventually led to all major powers joining either side—the Central Powers or Allied Powers—in what would become known as "The Great War." Despite both sides initially expecting quick victory through decisive military action against their enemies (namely Germany), trench warfare instead became standard practice during much of the conflict, leading to heavy casualties from both sides without any tangible gain in territory or strategic advantage. In addition to traditional land battles fought using infantry tactics such as those seen at Verdun or Ypres (where hundreds died daily due to artillery fire or mustard gas attacks), naval skirmishes frequently occurred off coasts. These naval conflicts included Jutland, where British ships faced German U-boats in battle, resulting in thousands lost at sea during engagements.
With no clear victor emerging after four long years since the hostilities began, several attempts were made towards achieving peace amongst combatants. This culminated in negotiations taking place at Versailles, near Paris, France, whereby representatives met on April 27, 1919. An Armistice document was signed, officially ending WWI on November 11, 1918, thus bringing forth some semblance of closure, but not before leaving behind death, destruction, and despair amongst people living within affected regions worldwide. The war ushered them forward into uncertain futures filled with grief and hardship.
This same period saw further advances being made technologically, especially regarding weaponry, introducing mankind to powerful tools capable of protecting life while simultaneously destroying it. It is hoped that we avoid repeating the mistakes that prior generations endured.