The main causes of World War I include militarism, alliances, imperialism, nationalism, and the immediate catalyst of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Militarism involved the buildup of military capabilities and tensions, exemplified by the Anglo-German Naval Race between Britain and Germany [1][2]. Mutual defense alliances meant that when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, Russia intervened to support Serbia, leading to a domino effect of declarations of war among European powers [2][4].

The imperialistic rivalries, particularly in regions like Africa and the Balkans, heightened tensions, as nations competed for colonies and influence [1][2]. Nationalism among various ethnic groups, especially in the Balkans, contributed to instability, culminating in the assassination incident that sparked the broader conflict [4][6].

What were the main causes of World War I?

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