WEBVTT

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World War I known as the Great War was a devastating conflict that reshaped the world.

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The war began in 1914, triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

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of Austria-Hungary.

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However, deeper causes such as militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism

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set the stage for this global catastrophe.

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Militarism fueled an arms race, alliances pulled nations into the conflict,

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and competition for colonies' heightened tensions.

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Nationalism also stirred unrest, making war inevitable.

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The war is infamous for trench warfare, particularly on the Western Front,

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where Germany clashed with French and British troops.

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Early battles like the First Battle of the Marn marked the start of trench warfare,

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a grueling stalemate that lasted four years.

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In 1916, the Battle of Verdun symbolized the immense human cost of the war,

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with over 700,000 casualties.

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The British and French attempted to break the stalemate in the Battle of the Somme,

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but at a high cost with over 57,000 British casualties on the first day alone.

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On the Eastern Front, the Germans defeated Russia in the Battle of Tannenberg,

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showcasing modern tactics and securing their Eastern flank.

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The war introduced devastating new technologies, machine guns,

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poison gas, tanks, and airplanes, which transformed how wars were fought.

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After four years of intense fighting, the war ended on November 11, 1918.

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The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, placed harsh penalties on Germany,

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sowing the seeds for future unrest.

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World War I serves as a reminder of the horrors of unchecked conflict and the importance of peace.