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Period: July 28, 1914 – November 11, 1918 Main Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria, etc. Allied Powers: United Kingdom, France, Russian Empire, Empire of Japan, United States Trigger: The Sarajevo Incident in June 1914 (Assassination of the Archduke of Austria and his wife) Imperialism and Conflict: Competition for colonies and territorial disputes among the Great Powers intensified. Complex Alliances: Mutual defense treaties (Triple Alliance and Triple Entente) were in place, creating a structure where small conflicts escalated into a massive war. The Balkan Powder Keg: Following the decline of the Ottoman Empire, national independence movements surged, with Russia and Austria competing for influence. Entry into Total War: Contrary to expectations of a short conflict, the fronts stagnated into a four-and-a-half-year stalemate. It became a "total war" mobilizing all national economic and human resources. Introduction of Modern Weaponry: Machine guns, tanks, aircraft, submarines, and poison gas were deployed in massive quantities, leading to a surge in casualties. Rising Prices and Wealth Inequality: While the increase in exports and industrial development gave rise to a wealthy class known as "war profiteers," the prices of daily necessities skyrocketed, making life difficult for the common people. Outbreak of Rice Riots: In 1918 (Taisho 7), the price of rice soared to more than four times its pre-war level, triggering "Rice Riots" across Japan as people demanded lower prices. Total War and the Seeds of Social Security: In Europe and elsewhere, the total war system became the catalyst for the development of modern social security systems, such as livelihood support for the families of the fallen and food rationing.