what were the factors that led to world war 1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I#Background
The factors that led to World War 1 were complex and varied, involving a combination of political, economic, and social factors. Here are some key factors:
1. Alliance System: A complex web of alliances and treaties developed between different countries prior to the war. Two major alliance systems emerged: the Triple Entente (consisting of France, Russia, and Britain) and the Central Powers (including Germany, Austria-Hungary, and eventually the Ottoman Empire). These alliances created a climate of mutual defense obligations, where an attack on one country could trigger a chain reaction of conflict between multiple nations.
2. Imperialism and Competition for Colonies: European powers were engaged in a race to acquire colonies and expand their territories. This led to intense competition, rivalries, and disputes over territories in Africa, Asia, and the Balkans. Imperial ambitions and the desire for resources and markets contributed to the growing tensions among the major powers.
3. Militarism: The major powers heavily invested in their military capabilities, leading to an arms race. The development of new weapons and military technologies increased the destructive power of armies and amplified the risks of war. The belief in the transformative power of military strength contributed to a general atmosphere of hostility and the readiness to use force to achieve national goals.
4. Nationalism and Rivalries: Strong nationalist sentiments and rivalries exacerbated tensions. The desire for self-determination and nationhood led various ethnic groups to seek independence from Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires. The Balkans region, in particular, experienced multiple conflicts, such as the Balkan Wars of 1912-13, which heightened tensions in the area.
5. The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Bosnian Serb nationalist in June 1914 acted as a catalyst for the outbreak of war. This event triggered a diplomatic crisis, escalating into a conflict between Serbia, Austria-Hungary, and eventually involving the major powers and their respective alliances.
To study and better understand the causes of World War 1, you can research and analyze historical texts, academic books, articles, and primary sources from the period.