The Great War, also known as World War I, occurred from 1914 to 1918 and involved many of the world's great powers. It was primarily fought between two alliances: the Allies, which included countries like France, Britain, and Russia, and the Central Powers, led by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Ottoman Empire. The war was marked by trench warfare and significant battles, resulting in millions of military and civilian casualties. The conflict began after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary. It led to widespread mobilization and the use of new military technologies, such as tanks and airplanes. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which imposed heavy reparations on Germany and redrew national borders, setting the stage for future conflicts.