Long term causes of world war 1
World War 1 has multiple causes, which can be categorized into Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism.
Militarism
Militarism is defined as "a rise in military expenditure, an increase in military and naval forces, more influence of the military men upon the policies of the civilian government, and a preference for force as a solution to problems" (www.funfront.net). Preceding World War 1 was an arms race between many European countries, leading to competition and tension between rival countries. For example, during this time Britain and Germany were both vying for a position of naval superiority through the innovation of new, deadly battle ships. All across Europe was a great rise in military expenses, such as a 10% increase in France, a 39% increase in Russia, and the most being a 73% increase in Germany.
Alliances
Alliances played a crucial role role in World War 1 due to the necessity of one country to go to war in the case of their ally also going to war, creating a sort of domino effect in the situation of one nation attacking another nation. Some of the most notable alliances were the Dual Alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary, the Austrian-Serbian alliance between Austria and Serbia, the Triple Alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary, and the Triple Entente between Russia, France, and Britain to counter Germany.
Imperialism
Imperialism is when one country exerts control over new lands or countries, such as France in the 1900's controlling areas of Africa in which France also promoted its larger market due to industrialization. Since Britain and France owned a large amount of land, Germany also wished to gain colonies in Africa, however the size of land Germany gained control of was minuscule compared to that of other European countries.
Nationalism
Nationalism is pride in one's country and a desire to see it grow and prosper, during the 19th century, nationalism swept across Europe