The First World War, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, was a global conflict involving many major powers. The causes and consequences of this war are very complex, influenced by political, economic, social and military factors. The main cause of the emergence of the First World War was the complicated alliance system in Europe. The countries were divided into two major coalitions: the Allies and the Central Powers. These alliances, including the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Britain) and the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy), created tensions. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28 June 1914 in Sarajevo triggered a series of events that led to the war. The nationalism factor also plays a big role. European countries experienced waves of nationalism, such as in the Balkans, where ethnic Slavs sought independence from Austro-Hungarian rule. In addition, competitive imperialism for control of colonies in Africa and Asia increased tensions. Great powers compete for resources, creating friction that leads to conflict. From an economic perspective, the arms race leading up to the war was in the spotlight. Major powers invest in militarization, creating inevitable competition. Germany, seeking to rival England in naval power, rapidly expanded its navy to the consternation of Britain and France. When war breaks out, its impact is enormous. More than 16 million lives were lost, and many countries experienced economic collapse. The war weakened European monarchies, such as Tsarist Russia, and accelerated the rise of new ideologies, including socialism and communism, especially after the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. Also, the First World War resulted in many geopolitical changes. The Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and German Empires fell, creating new states in Europe and the Middle East. The Treaty of Versailles in 1919 described an unequal outcome of the war, which later sparked discontent in Germany. The long-term consequences are also significant. The economic downturn experienced by Germany contributed to the rise of the Nazis and the Second World War. In the social aspect, war affects generations, especially young people who lose their lives on the battlefield. Massive losses in population accelerated social reforms including women’s increased role in society. Foreign policy reforms in the winning countries are also visible. The United States, having returned to isolationist policies after the war, began to become actively involved in world affairs, marking a global shift in power. The establishment of the League of Nations, despite its future failure, introduced the concept of multilateral diplomacy. In a cultural context, the First World War stimulated literary and artistic works, with many writers and artists depicting the horrors and absurdities of war. It records the shift from optimism to skepticism, which shaped the perspective of European society after the war. In the overall analysis, the First World War was not just a military event, but also a turning point in world history that caused major changes in social, economic and political structures. Its impact is still felt today, making it one of the most important events of the 20th century.
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