What were the causes of World War I?

The causes of World War I can be attributed to a combination of factors. Some of the main causes include:

1. Nationalism: Intense pride and loyalty towards one's own nation led to rivalries and competition between countries, especially in Europe.

2. Imperialism: The scramble for colonies and resources created tensions and rivalries between major powers, as they sought to expand their empires.

3. Militarism: The arms race and the buildup of military forces among major powers created a sense of tension and fear, leading to an increased likelihood of conflict.

4. Alliance System: The complex web of alliances between countries created a delicate balance of power, where an attack on one nation could quickly escalate into a larger conflict involving multiple countries.

5. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, by a Serbian nationalist in June 1914, served as the immediate trigger for the outbreak of war.

It is important to note that these causes are interconnected and overlapping, and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand acted as a catalyst that set off the chain of events leading to the outbreak of World War I.