M.A.N.I.A.

The five major causes of "The Great War" or WWI can be explained using the acronym M.A.N.I.A. Those causes are Militarism, Alliances, Nationalism, Imperialism, and Assassination.

Causes of WW1: Militarism

Militarism was the policy of building up a strong military to prepare for war (ARMS RACE). There were arms races between nations for the biggest and most powerful armed forces to defend or promote nation interests.

Causes of WWI: Alliances

Alliances were agreements between two or more nations to help each other during a conflict or to accomplish a goal. The two major alliances during WWI were the Triple Entente (Allies) and the Triple Alliance (Central Powers). The Triple Entente consisted of Great Britain, France and Russia. This alliance was created in an effort to counter the Triple Alliance, which consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

Causes of WWI: Nationalism

Nationalism is extreme pride in one's country often seen by the use of flags, national anthems, and other signature items. The French Revolution had spread nationalism throughout most of Europe. People with the same ethnic origins, language, and political ideals sought independence from ruling nations.

Causes of WWI: Imperialism

Imperialism is the domination by one country over another in terms of the political, economic, or cultural life of the dominated country or region. Great Britain, Germany and France needed the natural resources of foreign markets after the increase in manufacturing caused by the Industrial Revolution.

Causes of WWI: Assassination

Assassination is the deliberate murder of a high-ranking government official. On June 28, 1914, Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife was killed in Bosnia by a Serbian nationalist group called the Black Hand. The Black Hand believed that Bosnia should belong to Serbia. This assassination was considered as the spark that started WWI.