La Grande Guerra, or the First World War, lasted from 1914 to 1918 and involved many countries across Europe and beyond. It began after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, leading to a complex web of alliances and conflicts. The war was characterized by trench warfare, significant loss of life, and the use of new military technologies. The conflict ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which imposed heavy reparations on Germany and redrew national borders. The war had lasting effects on global politics, society, and economies, setting the stage for future conflicts, including World War II.