World War I Causes

Causes of Tension in Europe by 1914

• Europe was a pressure cooker of tension between countries by 1914, leading to the outbreak of war.

MAIN Causes of World War I

• Militarism: the belief that a country's military strength is the best way to settle disputes with other countries.
• Militarism involves the desire to have the best military, leading to a buildup of arms and an increase in tensions.
• Alliances: agreements between two or more countries that require them to support each other in case of war.
• Alliances create a complex system where one country's involvement in war can lead to a larger conflict.
• Imperialism: the desire to gain more land, power, and resources.
• Imperialism leads to competition and tension between countries as they seek to expand their territories and influence.
• Nationalism: a deep love for one's country, leading to a willingness to die or kill for it.
• Nationalism is often taught to children in school, creating deep-seated feelings of hostility towards other countries and contributing to the growing tension in Europe.

Causes of Tension in Europe by 1914

• Europe was a pressure cooker of tension between countries by 1914, leading to the outbreak of war.

MAIN Causes of World War I

• Militarism: the belief that a country's military strength is the best way to settle disputes with other countries.
• Militarism involves the desire to have the best military, leading to a buildup of arms and an increase in tensions.
• Alliances: agreements between two or more countries that require them to support each other in case of war.
• Alliances create a complex system where one country's involvement in war can lead to a larger conflict.
• Imperialism: the desire to gain more land, power, and resources.
• Imperialism leads to competition and tension between countries as they seek to expand their territories and influence.
• Nationalism: a deep love for one's country, leading to a willingness to die or kill for it.
• Nationalism is often taught to children in school, creating deep-seated feelings of hostility towards other countries and contributing to the growing tension in Europe.

Learn about the main causes of World War I, including militarism and alliances, which led to the outbreak of war in 1914.