How long did people think World War 1 would be?

At the outset of World War I in 1914, many people believed the conflict would be short-lived, lasting just a few months. Early expectations were shaped by the swift mobilizations and previous conflicts, leading to a widespread belief that a quick resolution was imminent. However, as the war dragged on, the scale and complexity of the conflict resulted in a protracted engagement that lasted until 1918, ultimately enduring for over four years.