What years are associated with World War I?

World War I is widely recognized as occurring from 1914 to 1918. This global conflict began with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in June 1914 and formally concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, although fighting had effectively ceased with an armistice on November 11, 1918. The war involved many of the world's great powers and was characterized by trench warfare, massive troop mobilizations, and significant technological advancements in military capabilities.

The other timeframes mentioned correspond to different historical events: the years 1899 to 1905 relate to the Second Boer War, 1939 to 1945 marks World War II, and 1861 to 1865 refers to the American Civil War. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific timeline and significance of World War I in the context of global history.