Militarism:
Growing tensions between America and European powers caused countries to react by building up their militaries in preparation for a war. Germany and Great Britain increased the size of their military and navy to most. This arms race was a major push towards the war.
Alliances:
Countries became allies making mutual defense agreements, which bound them to defend one another.
These are a list of alliances: Russia & Serbia, Germany & Austria-Hungary, France & Russia, Britain & France & Belgium, Japan & Britain
These are a list of alliances: Russia & Serbia, Germany & Austria-Hungary, France & Russia, Britain & France & Belgium, Japan & Britain
Imperialism:
The competition and tensions between countries intensified during the Age of Imperialism. Countries competed for territory because of their growing desire to expand their empires.
Nationalism:
Nationalism led to the war in that the Slavic people in Bosnia and Herzegovina no longer wanted to be part of Austria-Hungary, but instead wanted to be part of Serbia. Nationalism also was significant in that various countries throughout Europe tried to prove their dominance and power.
Assassination of Ferdinand:
In June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife of Austria Hungary were assassinated by a Serbian nationalist while in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Serbia wanted to take control of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia.
Lusitania:
On May 7, 1915, a German submarine fired a torpedo at a British passenger ship named the Lusitania. The U.S. claimed the ship was unarmed, but German officials claimed the ship was carrying ammunition. Germans broke their promise to not sink anymore passenger ships, when it sunk the French passenger ship Sussex.
Why the U.S. joined the Allied Powers:
The U.S. was saturated with pro-war propaganda, inspiring nationalism throughout the country. The U.S. was also angered by the Germans sinking the Lusitania. The Zimmerman note was another main reason the U.S. entered the war. It was a message from Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmerman, which the British found. They were able to decode it, then they sent it to the U.S. The message revealed Zimmerman was trying to provoke Mexico and Japan into attacking the U.S.