The causes of World War I can be traced back to a complex web of political alliances, militarism, imperialism, and nationalism. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914 by a Serbian nationalist was the immediate trigger for the war, but underlying tensions had been simmering for years. Europe was divided into two main alliance systems - the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Great Britain) and the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) - which created a delicate balance of power. The intense competition for colonies and resources through imperialism, as well as the arms race and nationalist fervor sweeping across Europe, all played a role in escalating tensions to the point of war.
This mind map was published on 13 April 2025 and has been viewed 48 times.