The four general causes leading to World War I were nationalism, imperialism, militarism, and alliances. Nationalism caused many small countries to rebel against imperialism and seek their independence. A focus on militarism meant that they had the means to cause great harm. The final event that led to the beginning of the war was the assassination of Austria-Hungary's Archduke Ferdinand. Once Austria declared war on Serbia, the alliances that had been agreed to over the preceding years obligated several other countries to go to war.

What did you included in your response? Check all that apply.

A how nationalism led to competition and conflict between European nations
B the role of Germany in prompting an arms race between nations
C Tsar Nicholas II’s attempts to calm tensions between nations
D tensions between Austria and Serbia
E the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand