Topic 7.2 · c. 1900–present

Causes of World War I

Alliance commitments, nationalism, imperial rivalries, and militarism raised tensions. The assassination at Sarajevo triggered a much larger war.

Topic 7.2 / Review

The big picture

What to know

Alliance commitments, nationalism, imperial rivalries, and militarism raised tensions. The assassination at Sarajevo triggered a much larger war.

Example 1alliances

Alliances made states more likely to join a widening conflict.

Example 2Balkan nationalism

Nationalist tensions in the Balkans destabilized the region.

Example 3Sarajevo

The assassination at Sarajevo triggered a crisis between Austria-Hungary and Serbia.

Try it yourself

Check your understanding

01 / Multiple choice · 3 questions

Choose one answer for each question. Feedback appears below it.

Question 01

Which example fits this clue? This example made states more likely to join a widening conflict.

Select an answer to check your thinking.

Question 02

Which example fits this clue? Nationalist tensions in the Balkans destabilized the region.

Select an answer to check your thinking.

Question 03

Which example fits this clue? The assassination at Sarajevo triggered a crisis between Austria-Hungary and Serbia.

Select an answer to check your thinking.

02 / Write with evidence

Write a short response

Why did one crisis spread into a world war?

Make a claim that answers the question.
Use two examples from the review.
Explain how the examples support your claim.

See a model response

Alliance commitments, nationalism, imperial rivalries, and militarism raised tensions. Alliances made states more likely to join a widening conflict. Nationalist tensions in the Balkans destabilized the region.

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Resources & review

Quick study check

Before opening another resource, explain these examples from memory. Reveal each explanation to check yourself.

alliances

Alliances made states more likely to join a widening conflict.

Balkan nationalism

Nationalist tensions in the Balkans destabilized the region.

Sarajevo

The assassination at Sarajevo triggered a crisis between Austria-Hungary and Serbia.

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