The First World War was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. Three of the most significant battles of WWI were the Battle of Ypres, the Battle of the Somme, and the Battle of the Marne. The Battle of Ypres was fought in Belgium in 1915 and was the first major battle for the British Expeditionary Force. The Battle of the Somme was fought in France in 1916 and was one of the bloodiest battles of the war. The Battle of the Marne was fought in France in 1914 and was a decisive victory for the Allies.