Identify the main causes that led to World War I
Explain each cause with 1-2 sentences
1) Nationalism: Intense pride and devotion to one's own nation fueled competition and rivalries between countries, ultimately leading to conflicts.
2) Imperialism: The scramble for colonies and resources around the world led to tensions and rivalries between major powers as they sought to expand their empires and gain economic dominance.
3) Militarism: The arms race between nations, particularly in Europe, created a climate of heightened militarization and aggression, increasing the likelihood of armed conflicts.
4) Alliance System: The complex network of alliances and treaties between countries created a delicate balance of power, which when disrupted by one country's actions could quickly escalate into a larger conflict.
5) Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne by a Serbian nationalist in June 1914 was the immediate trigger for the war, as it led to a series of diplomatic and military escalations between Austria-Hungary and Serbia, and eventually drew in other major powers.