First World War and Its Major Causes

One of the causes of World War I was the formation of military alliances and Europe’s segregation. These alliances were formed to ensure protection from allied countries in case of any threat. Thus, unions were formed between Russia and Serbia, Japan and Britain, Germany and Austria-Hungary, France and Russia. The Triple Entente was also formed, which included France, Britain, and Russia. When the war began between Serbia and Austria-Hungary, Russia got involved in protecting its ally. Then, Germany decided to start a war with Russia because of the feeling of threat from the Triple Entente. The conflicts between alliances led to the appearance of the two sides in the war, the Allied and Central Powers.

Imperialism and imperialist claims are other reasons for starting the war. Countries always sought to increase their power by conquering other less powerful nations. Because of vast territories and unexplored mineral deposits, the desire of the leading countries, such as Germany, to capture these areas grew. This led to increased tension and confrontation that served as one of the causes of World War I (WWI).

Another cause of WWI was Serbian nationalism. Although it began to rise in the late 1800s, the key events are linked to WWI. Serbia wanted to become independent from Austria-Hungary and attempted to control Bosnia and Herzegovina forming a Serbian state. The nationalism continued to evolve and finally ended with the assault on the Archduke of Serbia, Franz Ferdinand. He was killed by Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist, who shot Franz Ferdinand and his wife while passing Sarajevo, a part of Austria-Hungary. This act was a protest against the empire which took control over Serbia, and it led directly to WWI.