Final answer:
The major causes of World War 1 in Europe were nationalism, imperialism, militarism, and alliances. Blame cannot be solely attributed to one nation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major causes of World War 1 in Europe can be attributed to a combination of political, economic, and social factors. Some of the key causes include nationalism, imperialism, militarism, and a system of alliances.
Nationalism, or the intense pride and loyalty to one's country, played a significant role in the escalating tensions. European powers competed for dominance and sought to expand their territories through imperialism. This led to conflicts and rivalries between nations.
Militarism, the belief in building up strong military forces and glorifying war, also contributed to the tensions. European nations engaged in an arms race, constantly increasing their military capabilities.
Moreover, a system of alliances furthered the likelihood of war. Nations formed alliances to protect themselves and deter potential aggressors. However, these alliances created a complex web of obligations, where an attack on one nation would result in a chain reaction of conflict.
Regarding the blame for the start of the war, it is a complex issue with no simple answer. Each major power involved in the war had its share of responsibility. The immediate trigger was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian nationalist. However, the underlying tensions and rivalries between nations had been building for years. It would be overly simplistic to assign blame to a single nation.
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