What global conflict began in Europe in 1914?

The global conflict that began in Europe in 1914 was World War I.

The war began on July 28, 1914, when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo. A web of alliances then widened the crisis: Russia backed Serbia, Germany supported Austria-Hungary, and France and Britain entered as the fighting spread.

Although centered initially on Europe, the conflict became global. Battles and campaigns reached the Middle East, Africa, the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific. The war introduced or expanded the use of tanks, aircraft, machine guns, heavy artillery, and chemical weapons.

A common mix-up is confusing its start with World War II, which began in 1939. World War I lasted from 1914 to 1918; fighting ended with the armistice of November 11, 1918, though the formal peace settlements came later.