What year marked the beginning of World War I?

The beginning of World War I is marked by the year 1914. Specifically, the conflict started on July 28, 1914, when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This act set off a chain reaction of alliances and treaties that drew multiple countries into the war, leading to a large-scale conflict that lasted until 1918.

The significance of 1914 as the starting point of World War I is underscored by the way the warfare evolved from that moment, leading to major battles and the introduction of new military strategies and technologies. The repercussions of this war were profound, influencing global politics, economies, and cultures worldwide for decades to come.

The other years provided, while significant in their own right for various reasons relating to the war, do not represent the actual start of World War I. 1918, for instance, is typically associated with the end of the war, marking the signing of the armistice that effectively concluded the fighting.