World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, is commonly referred to as the "Great War." The conflict involved many of the world's major powers and was characterized by unprecedented levels of destruction and loss of life, primarily due to trench warfare and new military technologies. It fundamentally altered political, economic, and social landscapes globally, leading to the collapse of empires like the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires. After the war, the Treaty of Versailles was signed, imposing heavy reparations on Germany and reshaping European borders. The consequences of World War I laid the groundwork for future geopolitical tensions, including World War II.