The major global conflict that began in 1914 was World War I, which drastically altered the political map of the world. Triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the war involved numerous alliances and resulted in the collapse of empires like the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires. The Treaty of Versailles introduced new country boundaries and ideologies, fostering nationalism and setting the stage for future conflicts, including World War II. The redrawn map and lingering tensions redefined global politics, marking a shift toward modern nation-states.