Why was the war not over by 1914?

The war was not over by 1914 due to a combination of factors including the complexities of the alliances, the scale of mobilization, and the nature of modern warfare. The conflict escalated quickly following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, with major powers drawn in by their commitments to allies. Additionally, the initial expectations of a short war were dashed by the realities of trench warfare, which led to prolonged stalemates and massive casualties. These elements combined to extend the conflict well beyond the initial year.