The causes of the First World War are complex and varied. Some of the key factors that led to the war include:
* Imperialism: The European powers were competing for control of colonies and resources in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. This competition led to increased tensions between the powers.
* Militarism: The European powers were engaged in an arms race, which increased the risk of war.
* Nationalism: The rise of nationalism in Europe led to increased competition and rivalry between the different countries.
* The Balkan powder keg: The Balkans was a region of Europe that was home to many different ethnic groups. The region was a hotbed of conflict and instability, and it was often referred to as the "powder keg of Europe."
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in June 1914 was the spark that ignited the First World War. The assassination led to a series of events that eventually culminated in the declaration of war by Austria-Hungary on Serbia on July 28, 1914. The war quickly spread to involve other countries as alliances were invoked.
The First World War was a devastating conflict that resulted in the deaths of millions of people. The war had a profound impact on the world, and it led to the rise of new political ideologies and the redrawing of the map of Europe.