1. Militarism: By 1914, major European powers had been engaged in an arms race for several years. This competition to build up larger and more powerful militaries created a sense of insecurity and suspicion among nations.
2. Imperialism: European powers had extensive colonial empires and competed for control of territories in Africa, Asia, and other regions. Imperial ambitions and the desire for economic dominance contributed to tensions between nations.
3. Nationalism: Nationalism, which emphasizes national identity and pride, had been on the rise in Europe. Strong nationalistic sentiments often fueled rivalries and conflicts between nations.
4. Alliances: A complex network of alliances had formed among European countries. When one country went to war, its allies were obligated to support it, creating a chain reaction that led to the involvement of multiple nations in the conflict.