The direct cause of WWI was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand at Sarajevo on 28 June 1914. However historians feel that a number of factors contributed to the rivalry between the Great powers that allowed war on such a wide-scale to break out. . Mutual Defense Alliances Over time, countries throughout Europe made mutual defense agreements that would pull them into battle. Thus, if one country was attacked, allied countries were bound to defend them. Before world war 1, Russia and Serbia ,Germany and Austria-Hungary ,France and Russia ,Britain and France and Belgium, Japan and Britain
Austria-Hungary all existed as ally's. Russia got involved to defend Serbia. Germany seeing Russia mobilizing, declared war on Russia. France was then drawn in against Germany and Austria-Hungary. Germany attacked France through Belgium pulling Britain into war. Then Japan entered the war. Later, Italy and the United States would enter on the side of the allies imperialism is when a country increases their power and wealth by bringing additional territories under their control. Before World War 1, Africa and parts of Asia were points of contention amongst the European countries. This was especially true because of the raw materials these areas could provide. The competition and desire for greater empires led to an increase in battle that really lead the world into World War I. In this way nationalism led directly to the War. But in a general way the nationalism of the various countries throughout Europe lead to the beginning but the extension of the war in Europe. Each country tried to prove their dominance and power.
Austria-Hungary all existed as ally's. Russia got involved to defend Serbia. Germany seeing Russia mobilizing, declared war on Russia. France was then drawn in against Germany and Austria-Hungary. Germany attacked France through Belgium pulling Britain into war. Then Japan entered the war. Later, Italy and the United States would enter on the side of the allies imperialism is when a country increases their power and wealth by bringing additional territories under their control. Before World War 1, Africa and parts of Asia were points of contention amongst the European countries. This was especially true because of the raw materials these areas could provide. The competition and desire for greater empires led to an increase in battle that really lead the world into World War I. In this way nationalism led directly to the War. But in a general way the nationalism of the various countries throughout Europe lead to the beginning but the extension of the war in Europe. Each country tried to prove their dominance and power.