"Catastrophe 1914" refers to the outbreak of World War I, a global conflict that began in July 1914 and lasted until November 1918. The war involved many of the world's great powers, divided into two main alliances: the Allies and the Central Powers. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary is often cited as the immediate trigger for the war, leading to a series of political and military escalations. The conflict resulted in unprecedented destruction and loss of life, with millions of soldiers and civilians affected. It marked a significant turning point in history, reshaping national borders and leading to the rise of new political ideologies. The aftermath of the war set the stage for future global conflicts, including World War II.