What are the main causes of World War I?

World War I (1914-1918) resulted from a complex web of interconnected factors. Historians often use the acronym MAIN to remember the four primary causes: **M - Militarism:** - European powers engaged in an arms race, building up massive military forces - Military spending increased dramatically in the early 1900s - The belief that military force was the best way to solve disputes - Naval rivalry, especially between Britain and Germany **A - Alliances:** - Complex system of treaties that divided Europe into two camps: - Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy - Triple Entente: Britain, France, Russia - These alliances meant that a conflict between two nations could quickly involve many others - Secret treaties created uncertainty and suspicion **I - Imperialism:** - European powers competed for colonies and resources worldwide - Competition for territory in Africa and Asia created tensions - Economic rivalries over markets and trade routes - Conflicts over Morocco and the Balkans intensified competition **N - Nationalism:** - Intense pride and loyalty to one's nation - Ethnic groups sought independence (especially in the Balkans) - Pan-Slavism vs. Pan-Germanism created ideological conflicts - Desire for national glory and prestige **The Spark - Assassination:** On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist. This triggered the alliance system: 1. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia 2. Russia mobilized to defend Serbia 3. Germany declared war on Russia 4. France entered to support Russia 5. Germany invaded Belgium, bringing Britain into the war Within weeks, Europe was engulfed in what became the "Great War." While the assassination was the immediate trigger, the underlying tensions made war almost inevitable.