Final answer:
The answer clarifies that major European nations were not competing by invading big nations in Europe; they competed by promoting nationalism, building militaries, and colonizing for resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major European nations were competing for power before World War I through several means that did not include invading big nations in Europe. They were promoting nationalism and loyalty among citizens, increasing the size of their militaries, and colonizing foreign lands for natural resources. The competitive drive was evident in the military build-up and the scramble for colonial acquisitions, which intensified imperialistic rivalries. Notably, the European powers avoided direct territorial confrontations with each other within Europe to prevent a continental war. It was the pursuit of empire and military strength that typified pre-WWI European competition.