The Major Causes Of World War I

When Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, it was the tipping point that led to the Great War. But, what cause major factors to World War I were militarism, alliance, imperialism, and nationalism. Some of the country’s governments were greatly influenced by military leaders. During the war, there was an arm race to see who could compete to build large armies and navies. Few countries were dragged into war because of alliance pact, even when they were not the one affecting it. Others entered the conflict for invasion. The more they control for colonies, the more profit they make and gain more power, which led to global competition for land. The rest did for patriotism and believing their country is better
Throughout the years prior the war, two major alliances appeared in Europe. One was the Central Alliance between Germany, Italy and Austria – Hungary. The other one was the Triple Entente between Russia and France. So, if any of those countries was attacked for one or another reason, all five of them would have to join the war. Before the War to End All Wars, Austria-Hungary and Germany made a promise to support each other in case they were attack by Russia. (Britannica) Later, Italy joined this alliance (Britannica) Whether Austria-Hungary or Serbia declared war on each other, Russia would eventually step in and would help alongside of Serbia since Russia has been their traditional alliance. (McKay 835) Which mean Germany would also step in and help Austria-Hungary. So, even if the direct cause of the war was different than the assassination, all of those countries would have been in
“By the early twentieth century, nationalism in southeastern Europe was on the rise.” (McKay 835) Serbia was eager to build a state that would include all ethnic Serbs and was thus openly hostile to Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire, since both states included Serbian minorities within their borders. To block Serbian expansion, Austria took Bosnia and Herzegovina and this made Austria-Hungary have larger population of Serbians, which made the Serbians very upset. (McKay 835) Also, whether it was before or during upcoming First World War, any countries in Europe would put propagandas on other