maailmansotaa

Maailmansotaa is a Finnish term that translates to "world war." It is most commonly used to refer to the two global conflicts that occurred in the 20th century: World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945). These wars involved a vast majority of the world's countries, forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Central Powers in World War I, and the Allies and the Axis powers in World War II.

World War I, often called the Great War, was characterized by trench warfare and unprecedented casualties. Its origins are complex, stemming from a combination of factors including imperialism, militarism, nationalism, and a system of interlocking alliances. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary served as the immediate trigger.

World War II was even more widespread and devastating, involving more than 30 countries. It began with Germany's invasion of Poland and led to the Holocaust, a systematic genocide of European Jews. The war saw the use of new technologies, including atomic weapons, and resulted in the deaths of an estimated 70 to 85 million people, making it the deadliest conflict in human history. The aftermath of both world wars significantly reshaped the global political landscape, leading to the formation of new international organizations and the rise of superpowers.