Final answer:
The First World War was precipitated by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and a combination of factors such as militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The First World War was precipitated by a combination of factors. One of the main events that led to the outbreak of the war was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Bosnian Serb nationalist in 1914. This event sparked a chain reaction of alliances and mobilizations, eventually leading to the declaration of war.
Other factors that contributed to the outbreak of the war include:
- Militarism: The buildup of military forces and arms race among major European powers
- Alliances: The complex web of alliances between countries, which pulled them into the conflict
- Imperialism: Competition for colonies and resources around the world
- Nationalism: Strong feelings of patriotism and loyalty to one's own nation, leading to tensions between different ethnic groups and nationalities
These events and factors combined to create a volatile situation in Europe, ultimately resulting in the First World War.
Learn more about Causes of the First World War