FAQ About History for History Students

The major causes of World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, can be attributed to a combination of political, economic, and social factors. Here are some of the key causes:

• Nationalism: Intense nationalism and rivalries among European powers fueled tensions and competition for power and influence.
• Alliances: Complex web of alliances formed between various countries, such as the Triple Entente (comprising France, Russia, and Britain) and the Central Powers (including Germany, Austria-Hungary, and later joined by the Ottoman Empire).
• Imperialism: Intense competition for colonies and resources led to rivalries and conflicts among the major European powers.
• Militarism: Arms race and the buildup of military forces, particularly naval forces, created a sense of heightened tension and a readiness for war.
• Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, by a Serbian nationalist in June 1914 served as a trigger for the outbreak of the war.
• Failed diplomacy and crisis escalation: Diplomatic failures and a series of crises, such as the July Crisis of 1914, resulted in a breakdown of communication and the rapid escalation of the conflict.
• System of alliances: The alliance system meant that an attack on one country would lead to a chain reaction, drawing other nations into the conflict.