List and explain the 4 causes of World War I. How did each contribute to the building of tensions in Europe.
The four main causes of World War I were militarism, alliances, imperialism, and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Each of these factors significantly contributed to the building of tensions in Europe and ultimately led to the outbreak of the war.
1. Militarism: Militarism refers to the policy of glorifying military power and maintaining a strong military. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several European nations, most notably Germany, had adopted a policy of militarism. These countries built up large armies, stockpiled weapons, and developed advanced military technologies. This arms race not only created a sense of heightened tension among nations, but it also fueled a belief that war was an acceptable means of resolving conflicts.
2. Alliances: Nations in Europe formed various military alliances to provide protection and support if they were attacked. The most significant alliances were the Triple Entente, formed by Britain, France, and Russia, and the Central Powers, composed of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy (later replaced by the Ottoman Empire). These alliances created a divided Europe, with nations suspicious of each other's intentions and obligated to defend their allies in case of war. When a conflict arose, the alliances pulled multiple countries into the war, quickly escalating the conflict.
3. Imperialism: Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European powers engaged in intense competition for colonies and resources around the world. This scramble for territories led to rivalries and conflicts between nations. For example, the rivalry between Britain and Germany resulted from their clash over colonies and naval dominance. Imperialism further heightened tensions as countries sought to expand their influence, leading to fierce competition and conflict between nations.
4. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated in Sarajevo by a Serbian nationalist. This event set off a chain reaction of diplomatic and military actions. Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for the assassination and issued an ultimatum, backed by Germany. When Serbia refused to comply fully, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, leading to a series of escalating alliances and counter-alliances among European powers. The assassination of Franz Ferdinand served as the initial spark that ignited long-standing tensions and rivalries into a full-blown conflict.
In summary, the causes of World War I were rooted in militarism, the formation of alliances, imperialism, and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. These factors created a complex web of tensions and rivalries in Europe, leading to a state of heightened hostility and eventually triggering the outbreak of war in 1914.