1. Imperialism and Colonial Rivalry:
- Competition for colonies, markets, and resources fueled tensions between European powers.
- Germany, a latecomer to the imperial game, sought to expand its influence and challenge the established empires of Britain, France, and Russia.
2. Arms Race:
- A build-up of arms and militarism characterized the period.
- Germany's growth in military strength, especially its naval expansion, alarmed Britain.
3. Rise of Nationalism:
- Patriotism and a sense of national identity intensified rivalries between countries.
- The unification of Germany and Italy inspired similar movements in other parts of Europe, heightening tensions.
4. Balkan Crisis:
- The Balkans region was a hotbed of ethnic and political conflicts, involving Austria-Hungary, Serbia, and Russia.
- Serbia's desire to expand and unify South Slavic territories posed a threat to the Austro-Hungarian Empire's stability and its interests in the region.
5. Alliance Systems:
- A complex network of alliances emerged among European countries.
- The Dual Alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary and the Triple Entente among Britain, France, and Russia created a balance of power but also increased the risk of a major conflict.
6. Unresolved Territorial Disputes:
- Historic rivalries and unresolved territorial issues persisted between countries, particularly along the Franco-German border and in Alsace-Lorraine.
7. Militaristic Leadership:
- Several European nations had leaders with militaristic mindsets, promoting aggressive foreign policies. Notable figures included Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary.
These various factors created an atmosphere of mistrust, competition, and fear among European countries. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June 1914 sparked a series of events that triggered the outbreak of World War I.
