History of World War I: Causes and Impact World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, was one of the most significant conflicts in human history. The causes of this fighting are complex, encompassing interrelated political, economic, and social factors. One of the main causes is the alliance system in Europe, where large countries form ties to increase security. Two main alliances were formed: the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) and the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Britain). Rising tensions between these countries are also fueled by strong nationalism. The nations of Europe struggled to advance their national interests and identities, which often came into conflict with those of other countries. For example, the Balkan region is at the center of tensions between great powers and ethnic groups seeking independence. Apart from that, imperialism also played a big role in causing war. Competition for colonial territories in Africa and Asia increased tensions between European countries. Germany, as a new power, wanted to expand its influence, but was hampered by British and French dominance. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914 was the immediate trigger that sparked the conflict. After his death, Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia, which was rejected. Austria-Hungary declared war on July 28, 1914, which caused a chain reaction from the countries in the alliance system. The impact of World War I was far-reaching and profound. First, in human terms, this war resulted in around 16 million deaths and 21 million injuries. In addition, many countries experienced severe economic and social collapse. Germany, the defeated, had to bear the heavy burden of peace, especially through the 1919 Treaty of Versailles which forced them to pay large reparations. The war also changed the political map of Europe. The Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Russian empires collapsed, leading to the emergence of new states such as Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia. Meanwhile, trauma and loss changed society’s view of war, which is visible in the era’s literary and artistic works. The long-term impact of World War I was also seen in the rise of extreme ideologies, including fascism in Italy and Nazism in Germany. Dissatisfaction with the war’s results and difficult socio-economic conditions created fertile ground for radical movements that ultimately led to World War II. Thus, World War I was not only a military conflict, but also a turning point in college history. Its diverse causes and widespread impact touch almost all aspects of people’s lives. This history teaches the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation to prevent similar conflicts in the future.