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 triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and resulted in significant military and civilian casualties. The conflict introduced new military technologies, such as tanks and chemical weapons, changing the nature of warfare. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which imposed heavy reparations on Germany and redrew national borders in Europe. The Great War had lasting effects, setting the stage for political changes and conflicts in the 20th century.