World War I, also known as the Great War, began in 1914 and was caused by a complex mix of long-term tensions and immediate triggers. The main causes can be summarized by the acronym M.A.I.N.:
1. Militarism: European powers were engaged in an arms race, building large and powerful militaries. Military leaders gained significant influence over national policies, and many countries were eager to use their growing forces.
2. Alliances: By the early 20th century, Europe was divided into two major alliance systems: the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Britain) and the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy). These alliances meant that any conflict involving one country could quickly involve others.
3. Imperialism: European powers competed fiercely for colonies and global dominance. Tensions over territories in Africa and Asia increased rivalries, especially among Britain, France, and Germany.
4. Nationalism: National pride and ethnic tensions were strong, especially in the Balkans, where Slavic groups sought independence from Austria-Hungary. Nationalist fervor also encouraged countries to act aggressively.
The immediate cause of WWI was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary on June 28, 1914, by a Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo. This event set off a chain reaction of ultimatums, mobilizations, and declarations of war, leading to a global conflict.
Together, these factors created a volatile situation in Europe that eventually erupted into one of the deadliest wars in history.