The causes of World War 1 are complex and multifaceted. Some of the major causes include:
- Imperialism and nationalism: The European powers were competing for control of colonies and resources in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. This led to increased tensions between the powers and contributed to the outbreak of war.
- Militarism: The European powers had been building up their military forces in the years leading up to the war. This created a sense of insecurity and distrust between the powers and made it more likely that a small conflict would escalate into a major war.
- The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne on June 28, 1914, was the immediate trigger for the war.
However, the following were not causes of World War I:
- The United States: The United States did not enter the war until 1917, and its entry was not a cause of the war.
- The Russian Revolution: The Russian Revolution occurred in 1917, after the war had already begun. It was not a cause of the war.