Answer :
Final answer:
The M.A.I.N. causes of WWI include Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism, each contributing uniquely to the tensions that sparked the war. Militarism fostered an arms race; alliances created a domino effect; imperialism fueled rivalries; and nationalism stoked ethnic conflicts. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand acted as a catalyst for these underlying tensions to erupt into global conflict.
Explanation:
M.A.I.N. Causes of WWI
The causes of World War I can be summarized with the acronym M.A.I.N., representing Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism. Each of these elements contributed significantly to the outbreak of the war.
Militarism
Militarism refers to the arms race that developed among European nations prior to WWI. Countries built up their military forces and weapons, fostering a culture that glorified military power and preparedness. For example, Germany and Britain expanded their navies, creating tension and competition.
Alliances
The complex web of alliances created a situation where a conflict involving one nation could trigger a wider war. The major alliances included the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) and the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Britain). When Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, allied nations were drawn into the conflict.
Imperialism
Imperialism heightened competition among European powers as nations vied for colonies and global dominance. The struggle for resources and territorial expansion led to conflicts and rivalries, such as those seen between Britain and Germany in Africa. These imperial ambitions increased mutual distrust and antagonism.
Nationalism
Nationalism led to the belief that one's nation was superior, fostering ethnic tensions and competition. In the Balkans, Slavic nationalism was especially potent, as Serbia sought to expand at the expense of Austria-Hungary. National pride often became a driving force behind aggressive policies.
"Assassination Leads to War"
In June 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria by a Serbian nationalist heightened existing tensions. This act of violence intensified ethnic rivalries and activated the entangled alliance systems, setting off a chain reaction that led to the outbreak of World War I.
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