First World War and bundle of causes – basic principles
How it works
The First World War (1914–1918) began in Europe and became a global war through colonies and non-European theatres of war. The most important causes included nationalism, imperialism, militarism, the alliance system and the crisis after the assassination in Sarajevo 1914. Before the war, the Triple Entente (France, Great Britain, Russia) and the Triple Alliance (German Empire, Austria-Hungary, Italy) faced each other; from 1915 onward, however, Italy fought against Austria-Hungary and Germany, while the Ottoman Empire joined the Central Powers only during the course of the war. Mobilisations, ultimatums and declarations of war turned the July Crisis into a major war. The war changed Europe fundamentally in political, economic and social terms.
The First World War arose from an interplay of several causes (bundle of causes), including nationalism, imperialism, militarism, alliance systems and the assassination in Sarajevo. The analysis of historical causes requires recognising interactions and connections.
An example
Which term describes the exaggerated emphasis on one's own nation and was an important cause of the First World War?
Try it yourself now
50 Exercises
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: History. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.