Final answer:
European nations competed for power by establishing overseas colonies in the years before World War I.
Step-by-step explanation:
European nations competed for power in the years before World War I by establishing overseas colonies. This period is known as the Age of Imperialism, where European powers sought to acquire colonies in Africa, Asia, and other regions.
By gaining control over these colonies, European nations could expand their territory, access valuable resources, and establish economic dominance. The competition for colonies often led to tensions and rivalries among European powers, eventually contributing to the outbreak of World War I.
Learn more about European competition for power before World War I