Causes of World War One Nationalism, militarism, imperialism, and the system of alliances were four main factors that pressed the great powers towards this explosive war." (Clock Magazine, 1915 Aug. 17). Although Francis Ferdinand was assassinated and sparked the beginning of the war, this however was not the main cause. The four major roles that played in the cause of World War I were Nationalism, Militarism, Imperialism, and the Alliance System. <Tab/>Nationalism: …showed first 75 words of 567 total…

…showed last 75 words of 567 total…Alliance, which consisted of Austria-Hungary, Germany and Italy. Initially, Germany formed the Triple Alliance with Austria and Italy. France immediately felt threatened and formed an alliance with Great Britain and Russia. The two alliances swore to each other that when one of the members of the alliance was threatened or attacked, the alliance would come and aid them. Such idea like this played in the part of the "chain reaction" leading to World War One.