WWI was a global conflict, with various states around the world joining the Entente powers, including Japan, the United States, and Brazil. Even neutral countries like China provided aid to the Entente
Motivations
While tensions in Europe, especially in the Balkans and over territorial disputes, were significant causes of WWI, global ambitions also played a role. Britain and France aimed to gain Ottoman territories, Russia sought control of the Dardanelles, Japan sought German colonies in the Pacific, and Britain feared the growth of the German Navy threatening its imperial trade routes
Theaters of War
Most combat took place in Europe, primarily along the Italian border with Austria-Hungary, the Eastern Front with Russia, and the Western Front in France and Belgium. However, fighting also occurred outside Europe, including naval engagements worldwide and land battles in Africa, the Pacific, Arabia, and other parts of the Ottoman Empire
End of the War
The war ended with the surrender of the Central Powers in 1918 and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. This had major implications, such as the breakup of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the reshaping of the Ottoman Empire, setting the stage for future conflicts, including WWII and ongoing tensions in the Middle East