European Politics in 1914

In 1914, European politics was marked by intense nationalism, rivalries among great powers, and complex alliances. Countries like Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy formed the Triple Alliance, while France, Russia, and Britain made up the Triple Entente. Tensions rose over colonies, military buildup, and territorial disputes, especially in the Balkans. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary triggered a chain reaction, leading to war. These intertwined alliances and national interests created an unstable environment, where a single event could escalate into a continent-wide conflict, culminating in the outbreak of World War I.