Final answer:
World War I was a transformative global conflict from 1914 to 1918 that involved the introduction of modern warfare. It saw the Allied powers combat the Central powers, resulting in over 30 million casualties and setting the stage for future geopolitical changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Notes on World War I
World War I, also known as The Great War, lasted from 1914 to 1918 and marked the transition from classical forms of combat to modern warfare. It was a massively devastating conflict that involved most of Europe, along with Russia, the United States, and other regions. As the world's first mechanized war, World War I introduced new military technologies such as shelling, machine guns, and mustard gas, which resulted in unprecedented levels of destruction. Allied powers including Great Britain, France, Russia, and Italy fought against the Central powers, namely Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire. The war had profound effects on the global political landscape, economies, and societies, as well as on subsequent artistic and literary movements, particularly Modernism.
The conflict began due to a web of alliances, nationalistic tensions, and economic rivalries. With over 30 million casualties, World War I was a war of attrition, leaving countries and combatants feeling a sense of disillusionment. Following the Armistice in 1918, the world experienced a marked change, which set the stage for future events, including the rise of fascism and the outbreak of World War II.