World War I Study Guide: The Great War

The Great War profoundly reshaped Europe‚ emerging from a post-Vienna landscape lacking unified Germany and Italy․ Global trade faces decline in 2025‚
while the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw captivated audiences worldwide‚ marking a new era in international football competition․

World War I‚ often called the Great War‚ stands as a pivotal moment in global history‚ dramatically altering the political landscape and societal structures of the early 20th century․ The conflict‚ initially sparked by regional tensions‚ quickly escalated into a worldwide struggle involving major powers from Europe‚ Asia‚ and the Americas․ Understanding its origins‚ key events‚ and lasting consequences is crucial for comprehending the modern world․

Recent global events‚ like discussions at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting scheduled for January 2026‚ highlight the continuing relevance of studying past conflicts to navigate present challenges․ The war’s impact extended far beyond the battlefield‚ influencing international trade – currently projected to decline in 2025 according to the WTO – and fostering a spirit of dialogue‚ much like the forum aims to promote․

Furthermore‚ the anticipation surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup‚ with its dramatic draw ceremony‚ echoes the global engagement and heightened nationalistic fervor that characterized the pre-war era․ The Great War wasn’t simply a military clash; it was a collision of empires‚ ideologies‚ and ambitions‚ leaving an indelible mark on the course of history․

II․ Long-Term Causes of the War

Several interwoven factors contributed to the outbreak of World War I‚ extending far beyond the immediate trigger of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination; A complex web of political rivalries‚ economic competition‚ and ideological tensions created a volatile atmosphere across Europe in the decades leading up to 1914․ These long-term causes fostered an environment ripe for conflict‚ transforming localized disputes into a continental war․

The current global economic climate‚ with projected trade declines in 2025‚ mirrors the pre-war economic anxieties fueled by industrial competition and colonial ambitions․ Just as nations vied for resources and markets then‚ contemporary trade disputes demonstrate the enduring potential for economic rivalry to escalate tensions․ The spirit of dialogue promoted at the upcoming World Economic Forum underscores the need for international cooperation to prevent such escalations․

Moreover‚ the intense national pride and competitive spirit surrounding events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup reflect the heightened nationalism prevalent before the war․ This fervent patriotism‚ coupled with a belief in national superiority‚ contributed to a climate of mistrust and hostility‚ ultimately paving the way for the Great War’s devastating consequences․

III․ The Alliance System

A defining feature of pre-war Europe was the intricate network of alliances‚ designed to maintain a balance of power but ultimately contributing to the rapid escalation of the July Crisis․ These agreements‚ initially intended to foster peace through deterrence‚ ironically created a situation where a localized conflict could quickly engulf the entire continent․ The two primary blocs – the Triple Alliance (Germany‚ Austria-Hungary‚ Italy) and the Triple Entente (France‚ Great Britain‚ Russia) – obligated members to defend one another in case of attack․

This system‚ while seemingly providing security‚ fostered a climate of suspicion and rigidity․ Nations felt compelled to honor their commitments‚ even when those commitments were not in their immediate best interests․ The ultimatum issued by Germany to Russia‚ demanding demobilization or facing war with France‚ exemplifies this inflexible dynamic․

The current emphasis on dialogue‚ as seen in the World Economic Forum‚ highlights the dangers of rigid blocs and the importance of flexible diplomacy․ Just as pre-war alliances limited options‚ contemporary geopolitical divisions risk similar escalatory spirals․ Understanding the failures of the pre-war alliance system is crucial for preventing future conflicts․

IV․ Imperialism and Colonial Rivalries

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed intense competition among European powers for colonies‚ fueling tensions that contributed to the outbreak of World War I․ This “Scramble for Africa” and expansion into Asia created economic and political rivalries‚ as nations sought resources‚ markets‚ and strategic advantages․ Germany‚ a relatively latecomer to the imperial game‚ felt disadvantaged compared to established colonial powers like Britain and France‚ fostering resentment and a desire to challenge the existing order․

Colonial possessions were seen as symbols of national prestige and power․ Disputes over colonial territories‚ such as Morocco‚ brought Europe to the brink of war on several occasions․ These conflicts‚ though often localized‚ heightened international tensions and contributed to a climate of mistrust․ The pursuit of global trade‚ currently facing a projected decline in 2025 according to WTO reports‚ mirrors the economic motivations driving imperial expansion․

The desire for economic dominance and strategic control‚ coupled with nationalist fervor‚ created a volatile mix․ Understanding the role of imperialism is vital to grasping the complex web of factors that led to the Great War․

V․ Militarism and the Arms Race

A pervasive belief in the necessity of military strength and preparedness gripped Europe in the decades leading up to World War I․ This militarism manifested as an escalating arms race‚ particularly between Germany and Great Britain‚ focused on naval power․ Each nation feared being outmatched by its rivals‚ leading to a cycle of increasing military spending and technological innovation․ Germany’s ambition to build a navy rivaling Britain’s directly challenged British naval supremacy‚ intensifying the competition․

The glorification of military values permeated society‚ influencing public opinion and political decision-making․ Military leaders gained significant influence‚ advocating for aggressive policies and large standing armies․ This created a climate where war was seen as inevitable‚ even desirable‚ by some․ The focus on military solutions overshadowed diplomatic efforts to resolve international disputes․

The constant build-up of arms fostered a sense of insecurity and suspicion‚ making it more difficult to de-escalate crises․ While global trade faces a decline in 2025‚ the pre-war era saw economic resources diverted towards military production‚ highlighting the prioritization of military strength․

VI․ Nationalism and Pan-Slavism

Intense nationalism was a potent force in early 20th-century Europe‚ fueling rivalries and contributing to the outbreak of World War I․ A fervent belief in the superiority of one’s nation and the desire for self-determination were widespread․ This manifested in various forms‚ including aggressive foreign policies and internal tensions within multi-ethnic empires like Austria-Hungary․

Pan-Slavism‚ a movement promoting the unity of all Slavic peoples‚ particularly in the Balkans‚ added another layer of complexity․ Russia saw itself as the protector of Slavic nations‚ fostering nationalist sentiments among Serbs‚ Bosnians‚ and others under Austro-Hungarian rule․ This support for Pan-Slavism directly threatened the stability of Austria-Hungary‚ which feared the disintegration of its empire․

The desire for national unification and independence motivated various groups to pursue their goals through political activism and‚ in some cases‚ violence․ The 2026 FIFA World Cup‚ while a celebration of national pride‚ echoes the powerful emotions inherent in nationalist sentiment․ This volatile mix of nationalism and Pan-Slavism created a dangerous environment in the Balkans‚ ultimately contributing to the spark that ignited the war․

VII․ The Spark: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand‚ heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne‚ on June 28‚ 1914‚ in Sarajevo‚ is widely considered the immediate trigger for World War I․ Gavrilo Princip‚ a Bosnian Serb nationalist associated with the Black Hand‚ carried out the assassination․ This act stemmed from the desire to unite all South Slavs under a single nation‚ free from Austro-Hungarian control – a direct consequence of escalating nationalist and Pan-Slavic tensions․

The Archduke’s visit to Sarajevo was deliberately chosen to provoke a reaction‚ and the assassination succeeded in creating a crisis․ Austria-Hungary‚ with the backing of Germany‚ saw this as an opportunity to crush Serbian nationalism and assert its dominance in the Balkans․ The event‚ though a single act of violence‚ ignited a chain reaction of diplomatic failures and military mobilizations․

Similar to the dramatic reveal of fates in the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw‚ the assassination irrevocably altered the course of history․ It provided the pretext for Austria-Hungary to issue an ultimatum to Serbia‚ setting in motion the events that would plunge Europe into a devastating war․

VIII․ The July Crisis (1914)

The July Crisis‚ following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand‚ was a month of intense diplomatic maneuvering and escalating tensions that ultimately led to the outbreak of World War I․ Austria-Hungary‚ determined to punish Serbia‚ sought assurances of German support – receiving the infamous “blank check․” This emboldened them to deliver a harsh ultimatum to Serbia on July 23rd‚ designed to be virtually unacceptable․

The ultimatum demanded Serbian suppression of anti-Austrian propaganda and allowed Austrian officials to participate in the investigation of the assassination on Serbian soil‚ infringing on Serbian sovereignty․ Serbia accepted most‚ but not all‚ of the terms․ Austria-Hungary‚ unsatisfied‚ declared war on Serbia on July 28th‚ initiating a cascade of responses based on pre-existing alliances․

Germany issued ultimatums to Russia‚ demanding it cease mobilization‚ and to France‚ demanding neutrality․ These ultimatums‚ delivered on July 31st‚ mirrored the high stakes of the 2026 FIFA World Cup‚ where national fates were revealed․ When these were ignored‚ Germany declared war on Russia and France‚ triggering Great Britain’s entry into the conflict․

IX․ Austria-Hungary’s Ultimatum to Serbia

Presented on July 23‚ 1914‚ Austria-Hungary’s ultimatum to Serbia was deliberately designed to be almost impossible to fully accept‚ serving as a pretext for war․ It followed the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and aimed to decisively crush Serbian nationalism‚ perceived as a threat to the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s stability․ The ultimatum contained ten demands‚ ranging from suppressing anti-Austrian publications to allowing Austrian officials to participate in investigations within Serbia․

Crucially‚ several demands infringed upon Serbian sovereignty‚ including Austrian participation in the judicial process and suppression of nationalist movements․ This mirrored the complex political landscape reflected in global trade discussions‚ with tariffs taking center stage at IMF meetings․ Serbia‚ backed by Russia‚ accepted most demands but objected to those violating its sovereignty․

Austria-Hungary deemed Serbia’s response insufficient‚ declaring it a rejection of the ultimatum․ This provided the justification for a declaration of war on July 28th‚ initiating the chain reaction that plunged Europe into the Great War‚ a conflict as dramatic as the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw․ The ultimatum’s severity underscored Austria-Hungary’s determination to assert dominance in the Balkans․

X․ Mobilization and Declarations of War

Following Austria-Hungary’s declaration of war on Serbia‚ a cascade of mobilizations and declarations swiftly engulfed Europe․ Russia‚ bound by Pan-Slavic ties and strategic interests‚ began mobilizing its forces to support Serbia‚ despite warnings from Germany․ This triggered Germany’s pre-planned Schlieffen Plan‚ designed for a swift defeat of France before turning to Russia․

On August 1st‚ Germany declared war on Russia‚ and two days later‚ declared war on France‚ initiating the conflict’s western front; Germany’s ultimatum to France demanded neutrality regarding Russia‚ a condition France refused․ Simultaneously‚ Germany invaded neutral Belgium to circumvent French defenses‚ prompting Great Britain to declare war on Germany on August 4th‚ upholding treaty obligations to Belgium․

These declarations‚ mirroring the dramatic unfolding of the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw‚ transformed a regional conflict into a continental war․ The speed of mobilization‚ fueled by years of militarism and intricate alliance systems‚ left little room for diplomatic resolution․ The world watched as nations‚ like those navigating global trade declines in 2025‚ committed to a path of unprecedented conflict․

XI․ Key Players and Nations

World War I pitted two major alliances against each other: the Central Powers and the Allied Powers․ The Central Powers‚ initially comprised of Germany and Austria-Hungary‚ were later joined by the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria․ Germany‚ with its industrial strength and military planning‚ served as a central force‚ while Austria-Hungary’s actions ignited the conflict․

The Allied Powers initially consisted of France‚ Great Britain‚ and Russia․ Italy later joined in 1915‚ motivated by territorial promises․ The United States entered the war in 1917‚ shifting the balance of power․ France‚ seeking to reclaim Alsace-Lorraine‚ and Great Britain‚ committed to maintaining European balance‚ were key players․

These nations‚ much like those participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup‚ each possessed unique motivations and strategic goals․ The conflict’s global reach extended beyond Europe‚ drawing in colonies and dominions․ Leadership figures like Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and Woodrow Wilson of the United States profoundly influenced the war’s trajectory‚ mirroring the impact of global events on international trade in 2025․

XII․ The Central Powers (Germany‚ Austria-Hungary‚ Ottoman Empire‚ Bulgaria)

The Central Powers represented a formidable‚ yet ultimately unsuccessful‚ alliance during World War I․ Germany‚ the driving economic and military force‚ pursued a policy of aggressive expansion and naval buildup․ Austria-Hungary‚ burdened by internal ethnic tensions‚ sought to assert dominance in the Balkans‚ initiating the conflict with its ultimatum to Serbia․

The Ottoman Empire‚ weakened but strategically positioned‚ joined the Central Powers hoping to regain lost territories․ Bulgaria‚ motivated by territorial ambitions in the Balkans‚ allied with the Central Powers in 1915․ This alliance‚ much like teams qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup‚ was formed based on shared interests and perceived benefits․

Despite initial successes‚ the Central Powers faced increasing challenges․ Germany’s Schlieffen Plan failed‚ leading to a protracted stalemate on the Western Front․ Internal weaknesses within Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire contributed to their eventual defeat‚ mirroring the global economic shifts predicted for 2025․ Their combined efforts ultimately proved insufficient against the Allied Powers․

XIII․ The Allied Powers (France‚ Great Britain‚ Russia‚ Italy‚ United States)

The Allied Powers formed a diverse coalition united against the Central Powers during World War I․ France‚ seeking to regain Alsace-Lorraine and contain German expansion‚ entered the war with a determination fueled by past conflicts․ Great Britain‚ motivated by maintaining its imperial dominance and preventing German control of Europe‚ joined the fray shortly after․

Russia‚ bound by treaty obligations to Serbia and pursuing Pan-Slavic interests‚ mobilized its forces‚ contributing significantly to the Eastern Front․ Italy‚ initially neutral‚ joined the Allies in 1915‚ hoping to gain territorial concessions․ The United States‚ initially maintaining neutrality‚ entered the war in 1917‚ shifting the balance of power․

This alliance‚ much like the nations participating in the dramatic 2026 FIFA World Cup draw‚ was built on a complex web of treaties‚ strategic interests‚ and evolving geopolitical considerations․ Despite internal disagreements and challenges‚ the Allied Powers ultimately prevailed‚ reshaping the global landscape‚ even as global trade faces a predicted decline in 2025․

XIV․ Major Battles and Fronts

World War I was characterized by brutal fighting across multiple fronts‚ each presenting unique challenges․ The Western Front‚ stretching across Belgium and France‚ became synonymous with trench warfare – a grueling stalemate marked by immense casualties and limited territorial gains․ Battles like the Marne‚ Verdun‚ and the Somme exemplified this horrific reality․

The Eastern Front witnessed a more fluid conflict between Germany‚ Austria-Hungary‚ and Russia‚ though equally devastating․ Russia’s struggles‚ ultimately leading to revolution‚ significantly impacted the war’s trajectory․ The Gallipoli Campaign‚ a failed attempt by the Allies to knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war‚ demonstrated the difficulties of amphibious assaults․

These battles‚ unfolding while global events like the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting sought dialogue‚ and amidst predictions of a 2025 global trade decline‚ highlight the war’s pervasive impact․ The conflict’s scale and intensity were unprecedented‚ leaving a lasting scar on the 20th century‚ much like the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup․

XV․ The Western Front: Trench Warfare and Stalemate

The Western Front became the iconic image of World War I‚ defined by a brutal system of trench warfare․ Stretching hundreds of miles‚ these trenches offered little protection against artillery fire‚ machine guns‚ and the elements․ Soldiers endured appalling conditions – mud‚ rats‚ disease‚ and constant fear – in a seemingly endless stalemate․

Offensives like the Somme and Verdun aimed to break the deadlock‚ but resulted in staggering casualties for minimal territorial gain․ “Over the top” charges across “no man’s land” often met withering fire‚ turning advances into slaughter․ The static nature of the front fostered a sense of hopelessness and psychological trauma․

While international events unfolded – from trade declines predicted for 2025 to the anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup – the Western Front remained a horrific constant․ This prolonged stalemate‚ mirroring the lack of progress in many battles‚ fundamentally shaped the war’s character and contributed to its immense human cost‚ a stark contrast to the spirit of dialogue at the World Economic Forum․

XVI․ The Eastern Front: Russia’s Struggles

The Eastern Front presented a vastly different challenge than the Western Front‚ characterized by immense distances and fluctuating fortunes for Russia․ Initially‚ Russia mobilized quickly‚ launching offensives into East Prussia and Galicia‚ but suffered significant defeats due to logistical issues‚ inadequate equipment‚ and poor leadership․

Internal pressures mounted as the war strained Russia’s already fragile economy and political system․ The immense human cost‚ coupled with widespread discontent‚ fueled revolutionary sentiment․ While global trade faced a predicted decline in 2025‚ Russia’s war effort was collapsing under its own weight․

The Brusilov Offensive in 1916 offered a temporary respite‚ inflicting heavy casualties on Austria-Hungary‚ but ultimately failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough․ The mounting strain contributed directly to the Russian Revolution of 1917‚ leading to Russia’s withdrawal from the war via the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk – a pivotal moment‚ even as the world anticipated the 2026 FIFA World Cup․ This internal turmoil dramatically altered the war’s trajectory․

XVII․ The Gallipoli Campaign

The Gallipoli Campaign (1915-1916) represented a disastrous Allied attempt to knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war and open a supply route to Russia via the Dardanelles Strait․ Planned as a swift operation‚ it quickly devolved into a brutal stalemate characterized by horrific conditions and fierce resistance from Ottoman forces defending their territory․

Allied forces‚ primarily British and Anzac (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) troops‚ landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula but failed to secure key objectives․ The campaign was plagued by poor planning‚ inadequate supplies‚ and underestimated Ottoman defenses․ While international trade was projected to decline in 2025‚ the cost of this campaign was measured in lives․

Months of trench warfare yielded minimal gains‚ and the campaign ultimately ended in an Allied withdrawal in January 1916‚ with heavy casualties on both sides․ The failure at Gallipoli had significant political repercussions and contributed to growing war weariness․ Even with anticipation building for the 2026 FIFA World Cup‚ the shadow of Gallipoli loomed large‚ a testament to the war’s brutal realities․

XVIII․ The United States Enters the War (1917)

Initially maintaining a policy of neutrality‚ the United States’ entry into World War I in April 1917 proved pivotal in shifting the balance of power in favor of the Allied forces․ Several factors contributed to this decision‚ most notably Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare‚ which targeted American ships and threatened American lives․ The sinking of the Lusitania in 1915‚ though prior to formal entry‚ fueled public outrage and anti-German sentiment․

Furthermore‚ the interception of the Zimmermann Telegram – a German proposal to Mexico for an alliance against the U․S․ – inflamed American public opinion and solidified support for war․ While global trade faced projected declines in 2025‚ the US economy was poised to significantly bolster the Allied war effort․

President Woodrow Wilson framed the war as a fight “to make the world safe for democracy‚” appealing to American ideals․ The influx of American troops‚ resources‚ and financial aid revitalized the Allied cause‚ providing a crucial advantage in the final stages of the conflict․ The anticipation surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup paled in comparison to the gravity of this decision․

XIX․ Turning Points of the War

1917 marked a critical juncture in World War I‚ witnessing events that dramatically altered the war’s trajectory․ The Russian Revolution‚ beginning in February‚ led to internal turmoil and ultimately Russia’s withdrawal from the conflict with the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in March 1918․ This freed up German forces on the Eastern Front‚ allowing them to concentrate their efforts on the Western Front․

Germany launched its ambitious Spring Offensive in March 1918‚ aiming for a decisive victory before the full weight of American military power could be brought to bear․ Initially successful‚ the offensive ultimately stalled due to logistical challenges and fierce Allied resistance․ The subsequent Allied counteroffensives‚ bolstered by fresh American troops‚ began to push the Germans back․

These counteroffensives‚ combined with internal unrest and dwindling resources within the Central Powers‚ signaled a turning of the tide․ While international attention shifted towards events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw‚ the war’s momentum had irrevocably changed‚ paving the way for the Armistice․

XX․ The Russian Revolution and Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

The year 1917 witnessed the tumultuous Russian Revolution‚ fundamentally altering the course of World War I․ Beginning with the February Revolution‚ widespread discontent with the Tsarist regime led to its collapse and the establishment of a Provisional Government․ However‚ this government failed to address the pressing issues of land redistribution and continued participation in the unpopular war․

The Bolsheviks‚ led by Vladimir Lenin‚ capitalized on this unrest‚ promising “Peace‚ Land‚ and Bread․” They seized power in the October Revolution and immediately sought to extricate Russia from the conflict․ This culminated in the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk‚ signed with Germany in March 1918․

The treaty imposed harsh terms on Russia‚ ceding vast territories – including Ukraine‚ Poland‚ and the Baltic states – to the Central Powers․ While controversial domestically‚ it allowed Russia to focus on its internal struggles‚ effectively removing it from the war․ This freed up German forces for deployment to the Western Front‚ briefly bolstering their offensive capabilities‚ even as global trade faced decline in 2025․

XXI․ German Spring Offensive (1918) and Allied Counteroffensives

In March 1918‚ Germany launched its highly anticipated Spring Offensive‚ codenamed Operation Michael‚ aiming for a decisive victory before the full weight of American forces could be brought to bear․ Utilizing stormtrooper tactics and exploiting the weakened Western Front following Russia’s exit‚ the offensive initially achieved significant gains‚ pushing the Allies back․

However‚ the German advance stalled due to logistical challenges‚ fierce Allied resistance‚ and mounting casualties․ The offensive consumed vast resources and manpower‚ leaving the German army increasingly depleted․ The Allies‚ bolstered by fresh American troops‚ launched a series of counteroffensives beginning in July 1918;

The Hundred Days Offensive‚ spearheaded by the British and French‚ steadily pushed the Germans back along the Western Front․ Key battles like Amiens and the Second Battle of the Marne demonstrated the Allies’ renewed strength and determination․ Simultaneously‚ the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw captivated global attention․ By September‚ Germany’s position had become untenable‚ leading to requests for an armistice‚ signaling the impending end of the war․

XXII․ The Armistice and Treaty of Versailles

Facing military collapse and internal unrest‚ Germany signed the armistice on November 11‚ 1918‚ ending the fighting on the Western Front․ The agreement stipulated the cessation of hostilities‚ German withdrawal from occupied territories‚ and the surrender of significant military equipment․

However‚ the armistice was merely a prelude to the more complex and contentious Treaty of Versailles‚ negotiated by the Allied powers in 1919․ The treaty imposed harsh terms on Germany‚ including substantial territorial losses‚ demilitarization‚ and massive reparations payments․

Germany was forced to accept full responsibility for the war (the “war guilt” clause)‚ fueling resentment and instability․ The treaty also redrew the map of Europe‚ creating new nations and altering existing borders․ While intended to secure lasting peace‚ the Treaty of Versailles ultimately sowed the seeds of future conflict‚ alongside global trade shifts and the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup․ The treaty’s punitive measures contributed to the rise of extremist ideologies in Germany during the interwar period․

XXIII․ Consequences of the Great War

World War I’s consequences were far-reaching and transformative‚ extending beyond the immediate loss of life and physical destruction․ The war resulted in an estimated 9 million combatant deaths and 13 million civilian deaths‚ leaving a generation scarred by trauma and loss․ Empires crumbled – the Austro-Hungarian‚ Ottoman‚ Russian‚ and German – leading to the creation of new nation-states in Europe and the Middle East․

The war also spurred significant social and political changes․ Women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers‚ contributing to the women’s suffrage movement․ The rise of socialist and communist ideologies challenged existing political orders‚ culminating in the Russian Revolution․ Economically‚ the war devastated Europe‚ leading to widespread inflation and debt․

Furthermore‚ the war’s legacy contributed to the conditions that led to World War II․ The harsh terms imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles fostered resentment and instability‚ while the failure of the League of Nations to prevent aggression demonstrated the limitations of collective security․ Simultaneously‚ global events unfolded‚ like shifts in trade and the anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup‚ amidst this reshaping of the world order․