Here are some key factors and events leading up to World War 1:
1. Nationalism and Imperialism:
- Rising nationalism and imperialistic ambitions among major European powers contributed to tensions and rivalries. Nations competed for colonies, territories, and control over resources.
2. The Balkan Powder Keg:
- The Balkans region in Southeast Europe was a hotbed of ethnic and political conflicts. Austria-Hungary's annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (provinces of the Balkans) in 1908 increased tensions with Serbia, which considered these regions as part of its historical territory.
3. Formation of Alliances:
- European powers formed alliances to secure their interests and gain protection. The Triple Entente comprised Britain, France, and Russia, while the Triple Alliance consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy (though Italy remained neutral at the start of the war). These alliances created a complex web of loyalties and obligations.
4. Arms Race:
- A competitive arms race ensued between major powers, with countries stockpiling arms and building powerful militaries. This fueled mutual distrust and fear.
5. Crisis in Morocco:
- Two crises related to Morocco in 1905 and 1911, when France and Germany clashed over their influence in the region, further heightened tensions.
6. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand:
- On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist, Gavrilo Princip. This event directly triggered the outbreak of war.
7. Diplomatic Failure:
- Following the assassination, diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis failed. Austria-Hungary, backed by Germany, issued an ultimatum to Serbia containing harsh demands. Russia, as an ally of Serbia, mobilized its forces, prompting Germany to declare war on Russia and France.
8. Germany's Schlieffen Plan:
- Germany, under the Schlieffen Plan, aimed to quickly defeat France by invading through Belgium, before turning to the Eastern Front against Russia. This plan required violating the neutrality of Belgium, which drew Britain into the conflict.
These factors, combined with the intricate system of alliances and the escalating diplomatic crisis following the assassination, ultimately led to the outbreak of World War I on July 28, 1914.