Origins of the War

The origins of World War I stem from a complex web of alliances, nationalism, militarism, and imperialism. Major European powers formed intricate treaties, promising to defend one another. Nationalistic fervor led to competition for territories and influence, particularly in the Balkans. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914 triggered a crisis, causing countries to honor their alliances. This quickly escalated into a full-scale war, as nations mobilized their militaries and declared war on one another, ultimately involving many countries worldwide in a devastating conflict that lasted until 1918.