What were the causes of World War I?
Alliances, militarism, and nationalism.
http://www.historyhome.co.uk/europe/causeww1.htm
http://americanhistory.about.com/od/worldwari/tp/causes-of-world-war-1.htm
The causes of World War I are multiple and complex, and historians have different interpretations and theories regarding them. However, I can outline some of the main factors that led to the outbreak of the war:
1. Nationalism: The intense pride and loyalty to one's own nation resulted in rivalries and conflicts between countries. Competing nationalism between European powers heightened tension and escalated into the war.
2. Imperialism: The scramble for colonies and resources across the globe led to a race among European powers to expand their empires. The competition for territory and resources created rivalries and conflicts that contributed to the outbreak of the war.
3. Alliance Systems: The complex web of alliances that European powers had formed made the conflict more likely to escalate. The two main alliances were the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Britain) and the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy initially). When one country was attacked, others were drawn into the conflict, resulting in a wider-scale war.
4. Militarism: In the years leading up to World War I, there was a significant increase in military spending and the development of advanced weapons. The arms race among nations created a sense of competition and readiness for war, which ultimately escalated tensions.
5. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian nationalist in June 1914 acted as a catalyst for the outbreak of the war. It triggered a series of events and diplomatic crises that eventually resulted in the initiation of hostilities.
To delve deeper into the causes of World War I, you can consult historical sources, books, or academic articles that specialize in this specific topic.