World War I: Overview and Causes

Introduction

• Also known as the Great War.
• Began in 1914.
• Resulted from a mix of long-term tensions and immediate triggers.

Main Causes (M.A.I.N.)

1. Militarism

   • European powers engaged in an arms race.
   • Building large and powerful militaries.
   • Military leaders gained influence over national policies.
   • Many countries eager to use their growing forces.

2. Alliances

   • Europe divided into two major alliance systems:
     • Triple Entente: France, Russia, Britain.
     • Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy.
   • Alliances meant conflicts could quickly escalate.

3. Imperialism

   • European powers competed for colonies and global dominance.
   • Tensions over territories in Africa and Asia.
   • Rivalries especially among Britain, France, and Germany.

4. Nationalism

   • Strong national pride and ethnic tensions.
   • Particularly in the Balkans, Slavic groups sought independence from Austria-Hungary.
   • Nationalist fervor led to aggressive actions by countries.

Immediate Cause

• Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary.
  • Date: June 28, 1914.
  • Perpetrator: Serbian nationalist.
  • Location: Sarajevo.
• Triggered a chain reaction of ultimatums, mobilizations, and declarations of war.

Conclusion

• These factors created a volatile situation in Europe.
• Resulted in a global conflict, one of the deadliest wars in history.