What factors led to the outbreak of World War I?

There were several factors that led to the outbreak of World War I, including:

1. Militarism: The buildup of military forces and the belief that military power was crucial to national security and success led to increased tensions between European powers in the years leading up to World War I.

2. Alliances: The complex web of alliances between European powers made it more likely that a conflict between two countries would escalate into a larger war. This was demonstrated when the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian nationalist in 1914 led to a chain reaction of alliances and declarations of war.

3. Imperialism: The competition between European powers for colonies and resources around the world increased tensions and rivalries between nations. The competition for territories and resources led to a scramble for Africa, Asia and other parts of the world that created tensions between nations.

4. Nationalism: The belief in the superiority of one's own nation and the desire for national self-determination created tensions between ethnic groups and nations. This was especially true in the Balkans, where various ethnic groups were struggling for independence.

5. Crisis in the Balkans: The Balkans were a volatile region in the years leading up to World War I, with competing interests from several nations, including Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Germany. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian nationalist in 1914 provided the spark that ignited the conflict.

Overall, the combination of these factors created a highly volatile and tense situation in Europe in the early 20th century, which eventually led to the outbreak of World War I in 1914.