The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 ignited a bloody conflict among Europe's most powerful nations. As leaders in Europe bullied each other toward war, they had no idea that this war would become a global conflict. The United States entered World War I and sided with the Allies in their fight against the Central powers. Millions of people died during World War I; empires were destroyed, kings were dethroned, and entire countries disappeared. Author Zachary Kent details "the war to end all wars," including the doughboys of the United States, life on the home front, and the introduction of modern warfare.