1. Nationalism and Imperial Rivalry:
Nationalism was on the rise in Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The major European powers, including Britain, France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Italy, were competing for influence, territory, and resources. This competition led to increased tensions and rivalries, particularly between France and Germany and between Austria-Hungary and Russia.
2. Alliances and Ententes:
To secure their interests, the European powers formed alliances. Germany and Austria-Hungary were aligned in the Dual Alliance. In response, Russia and France formed the Franco-Russian Alliance. Later, Britain joined France and Russia in the informal Triple Entente. These alliances created a system of rival blocs and increased the risk of war.
3. Arms Race:
The arms race among European countries heightened tensions. Germany embarked on a rapid naval expansion program that threatened Britain's naval dominance. Other countries, including France, Russia, Austria, and Italy, also increased their military spending and stockpiled weapons. This arms buildup created a sense of insecurity and distrust among the nations.
4. Balkan Crisis:
The Balkan region in Southeastern Europe was a hotbed of ethnic and territorial conflicts during this time. The decline of the Ottoman Empire led to the emergence of new nation-states in the Balkans. These states had ongoing territorial disputes and struggled to maintain stability, leading to several Balkan Wars.
5. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand:
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, on June 28, 1914, by a Serbian nationalist sparked the immediate crisis that led to the outbreak of war. Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia that was perceived as overly harsh, and when Serbia did not fully accept the demands, Austria-Hungary declared war.
Although Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination was the catalyst, it must be emphasized that the war had been brewing for years due to a complex web of political, territorial, and military tensions that had been escalating since the late 19th century. The First World War, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, had far-reaching consequences and fundamentally altered the political landscape of the world.