The document summarizes key events leading up to and during World War I: 1) By 1914, Europe was divided into two hostile alliances - the Triple Entente and Triple Alliance. This system of alliances increased tensions and the risk of a localized conflict spreading. 2) The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand led Austria-Hungary to issue ultimatums to Serbia, pulling the alliances into war by early August 1914. 3) The war quickly resulted in trench stalemate on the Western Front as new military technologies outpaced military tactics. Over 15 million people were killed by the war's end in 1918.