Wars

Wars are organized armed conflicts between states, governments, or other armed groups, usually pursued for political, territorial, economic, or ideological aims.

War is organized armed conflict between states or groups, typically with sustained violence and political aims. It is a distinct concept from the broader term 'conflict', which can include lower-intensity disputes.

What it is

War is generally defined as a large-scale, organized armed struggle between political communities or armed groups. It is marked by prolonged violence, military command structures, and significant social and economic disruption. Common aims include political, territorial, economic, or ideological objectives.

Major wars in history

Frequently cited major wars include World War I, World War II, the Hundred Years' War, the Thirty Years' War, the Napoleonic Wars, the Mongol conquests, the Crusades, and the American Civil War. World War II is widely identified as the deadliest war in history. The list varies by criteria such as scale, casualties, and historical impact.

How wars end

Wars usually end through surrender, a negotiated peace treaty, an armistice, a ceasefire, or the collapse of one side's capacity to fight. Some conflicts also end without a formal settlement. The outcome often shapes the political and territorial landscape for years.