Question

Which of these played the LEAST influential role as a long-term cause of World War I? A) colonial disputes Eliminate B) religious differences C) the drive for naval superiority D) ethnic tensions within the Austria Empire

Answer 1

The correct answer is option B) religious differences.

Although there were religious differences between the intervening countries, there were both in opposing and allied countries, and the religious aspect did not play an important role as cause of the war.

The powers of the time competed for the control of the colonies of Africa, Asia and America mainly with the desire to get raw materials in the height of the Industrial Revolution.

In order to obtain more and more colonies, deploy overseas trade, and defend themselves against other powers, some European nations had developed an army and very powerful armies.

Nationalisms were booming at that time and many mutual protection agreements had been established between different countries in the face of foreign attacks on one of them.

There were ethnic groups in the Austro-Hungarian Empire that considered themselves as nations, such as the Italians, the Serbs and the Magyars.

The beginning of the war was born from a specific event that unleashed declarations of war between countries that forced to enter their successive military allies.