The systems or process cause that allow for the proximate cause of an event to occur. Underlying causes may involve special-cause variation, common-cause variation, or both. That is the definition of underlying cause. Immediate cause can be defined as follows the final act in a series of provocations leading to a particular result or event, directly producing such result without the intervention of any further provocation.
There were many underlying cause of World War 1. For example, mutual defense alliances over time, countries throughout Europe made mutual defense agreements that would pull them into battle. So, if one country was attacked, allied countries were bound to defend them. Another reason is imperialism. Imperialism is when a country increases their power and wealth by bringing additional territories under their control. Before World War 1, Africa and parts of Asia were points of contention amongst the European countries. This was especially true because of the raw materials these areas could provide. The increasing competition and desire for greater empires led to an increase in confrontation that helped push the world into World War I. Lastly, militarism, as the world entered the 20th century, an arms race had begun. By 1914, Germany had the greatest increase in military buildup. Great Britain and Germany both greatly increased their navies in this time period. Further, in Germany and Russia particularly, the military establishment began to have a greater influence on public policy. This increase in militarism helped push the countries involved