2. System of Alliances: Europe was divided into two main alliances - the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) and the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Britain). These alliances created a web of mutual defense agreements, meaning that an attack on one country could trigger a wider conflict involving all the allied nations.
3. Imperial Rivalry: There were ongoing tensions and rivalries between the major European powers, particularly Britain, France, Germany, and Russia. Imperial expansionism, territorial disputes, and the desire for increased power and influence contributed to the build-up of animosities and conflicts.
4. Militarism and Arms Race: By the early 20th century, there was a significant arms race among European nations. Each country sought to build up its military strength, leading to increased suspicion, fear, and a sense of impending conflict.
5. Nationalism and Irredentism: Nationalism was a powerful force in Europe, fueled by the desire for self-determination and the unification of ethnic groups. Irredentism, the desire to reclaim territories inhabited by one's own ethnic group, was particularly strong in the Balkans, creating instability and tensions between different ethnic groups.
6. Crisis in the Balkans: The Balkans region, often referred to as the "powder keg of Europe," was a hotbed of ethnic and political conflicts. Various Balkan nations sought independence or territorial expansion, leading to a series of crises and wars that further escalated tensions between the major European powers.