CAUSES OF THE START OF WORLD WAR I AND THE SITUATION IN EUROPE BEFORE THE WAR

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the causes that led to the outbreak of World War I, focusing on the complex political landscape of Europe in the early twentieth century. Drawing upon a range of scholarly historical sources, the author examines the role of the alliance system, rising nationalism, and imperial rivalries in escalating tensions among European powers. The study critically evaluates the diplomatic decisions and miscalculations that contributed to the rapid escalation of the conflict following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. By adopting an evidence-based and historiographically informed approach, this paper aims to offer a nuanced understanding of the geopolitical dynamics that set the stage for one of the most transformative events in modern European history. The findings highlight not only the immediate triggers but also the systemic factors that made the continent particularly susceptible to large-scale war.