Final answer:
The Balkan crises, characterized by nationalism and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, were short-term causes of WW1.Both options A and D are correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Balkan crises were a short-term cause of World War I due to a combination of factors. Firstly, nationalism in the Balkans intensified rivalries among European powers. The region was characterized by different nationalities and religions, and as the Ottoman Empire weakened, Austria-Hungary saw an opportunity to expand its territory, causing tension.
Secondly, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by a Bosnian Serb in June 1914 was the immediate trigger for the outbreak of the war. This event led Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia, which drew in Serbia's ally Russia and Austria-Hungary's ally Germany due to treaty obligations.
Therefore, options A and D are correct. Nationalism in the Balkans intensified rivalries among European powers, and the Balkan crises resulted in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, sparking WW1.