Wwi

Definition

World War I (1914–1918) was a global conflict primarily fought in Europe between the Allied Powers (including Britain, France, Russia, and later the U.S.) and the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire). It introduced trench warfare, chemical weapons, and massive industrialized killing, reshaping the political map of Europe and the Middle East.

Examples

  • The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary triggered the war in 1914
  • Trench warfare on the Western Front created a deadly stalemate for years
  • The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh terms on Germany, contributing to future instability
Key Fact

WWI lasted from 1914 to 1918; the U.S. entered in April 1917.

Related Terms

World war i Wwii Imperialism Total war

Study This Concept

Practice WWI with free review games in these units:

AP US History Unit 7: 1890-1945: World Wars Era