Key Points
Key Points: Causes of First World War
1. Aggressive Nationalism & Imperialism
- Extreme pride in nation → hatred of others
- Territorial ambitions (e.g. Alsace–Lorraine, Balkans)
- Scramble for colonies → rivalry & tension
2. Race for Armaments
- Heavy militarisation by European powers
- Germany built strong army & navy → fear among rivals
3. Alliance System
- Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
- Triple Entente: Britain, France, Russia
- Europe split into hostile camps
4. Immediate Cause – Sarajevo Crisis
- Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand (28 June 1914)
- Austria vs Serbia → chain of war declarations
