It is thought that this war that is been ongoing for over a year, began with the assassination of the Archduke Francis Ferdinand,. However many other reasons led to this war, some occurring as far back the late 1800's. Nationalism, militarism, imperialism, and the system of alliances were four main factors that pressed the great powers towards this explosive war. Nationalism is the love of one's country rather that the love of a native region. Throughout the 1800's many national groups that were driven by nationalism tried to unite by governments controlled by their own people. However, this desire to unite all the people of a nation under one government had devastating possibilities in Europe, where one government often ruled many nationalities. This is one important reason for the start of the Great War.
Another reason for the start of the war was the practice of imperialism by many countries.
Russia
English: Gabro Princip just arrested by police, af...
The Sarajevo trial in progress. Princip is seated ...Imperialist countries narrowly avoided war many times as they struggled to divide Africa among themselves in the early 1900's. Two of these countries, France and Germany, were on the brink of war several times when the argued about claims to Morocco. Between 1905 and 1911 they settled each argument with a temporary compromise that left one of the two countries dissatisfied.
Although imperialism played an important role in starting the war, militarism was even a greater factor. Militarism controlled the thinking of many European Leaders before the war. These leaders thought that only the use of force could solve problems along nations. These leaders also thought that a military strong nation usually got what it wanted, and weaker nation usually lost out. As international rivalries, each nation in Europe made their armed forces stronger and larger.
During the late 1800's the system of alliances was a forth factor that lead...