nagyvilágháború

The term "nagyvilágháború" is the Hungarian phrase for "World War". It most commonly refers to World War I, which took place from 1914 to 1918, and World War II, which occurred from 1939 to 1945. These two global conflicts involved the 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. It led to the collapse of empires, redrawing of borders, and the rise of new nations. The Treaty of Versailles, which ended the war, imposed harsh terms on Germany and is often cited as a contributing factor to the outbreak of the second global conflict.

World War II was even more widespread and devastating than its predecessor. It saw the systematic genocide of millions, the use of atomic weapons, and ultimately resulted in the defeat of the Axis powers. The aftermath of World War II led to the formation of the United Nations, the beginning of the Cold War, and a significant shift in global political and economic power. The term "nagyvilágháború" thus encapsulates periods of immense human suffering, geopolitical upheaval, and transformative change in the 20th century.