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Causes of the First World War

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How did the system of alliances and the arms race make a major war between the European powers more likely?

Explain how the alliance system and the naval and military arms race increased tension and made the outbreak of war more likely by 1914
A clear N(A)-Level answer on how the two armed camps in Europe and the naval and military arms race raised tension before 1914. The two alliance blocs, the Anglo-German naval race, war plans, and how to weigh this as a long-term cause.
9 min answer →

How did the assassination at Sarajevo turn into a European war within weeks during the July Crisis of 1914?

Explain how the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the July Crisis acted as the trigger that turned long-term tensions into war
A clear N(A)-Level answer on how the assassination at Sarajevo triggered the First World War. The shooting of Franz Ferdinand, the Austrian ultimatum, the chain of declarations of war, and how the trigger linked to the long-term causes.
9 min answer →

How did competition between the powers for empire and colonies add to the tensions that led to the First World War?

Explain how imperial and colonial rivalry between the great powers increased tension and contributed to the outbreak of the First World War
A clear N(A)-Level answer on how the race for empire raised tension before 1914. The scramble for colonies, the Moroccan crises, Anglo-German rivalry, and how to weigh imperialism against the other long-term causes.
9 min answer →

Why did nationalism, especially in the Balkans, make the region a flashpoint that could trigger a European war?

Explain how nationalism, particularly in the Balkans, created instability and made the region a likely trigger for a wider war
A clear N(A)-Level answer on how nationalism made the Balkans the powder keg of Europe before 1914. The decline of the Ottoman Empire, Serbian nationalism, Austria-Hungary's fears, Russian involvement, and how to weigh nationalism as a cause.
9 min answer →