Question

What were the four main causes of World War I?

Answer 1

The M-A-I-N acronym is often used to analyse the war – militarism, alliances, imperialism and nationalism.

Answer 2

Answer:

1. Strong feelings of nationalism.
2. Imperialism surrounding Africa.
3. Alliances among several nations.
4. Growing militarism between nations.

Explanation:

1. Nationalism: Each country wanted to prove that they were better than the rest with dominance and power throughout Europe and Asia.
2. Imperialism: In Africa, there were several territories under claim between different European countries because of the rights to exploit areas with a lot of raw materials.
3. Alliances: Neighbors countries had mutual defense agreements that provide an alliance if any of the countries were attacked by a foreign nation, the other country would be bound to intervene and help. There were alliances between Russia and Serbia; Germany and Austria-Hungary; Britain-France-Belgium.
4. Militarism: The growing arms race in Europe along with the nationalism feeling across the continent, made that each country wanted to increase its own army to show the power and eventually led to the war.

I hope this answer helps you.