WORLD WAR I Causes of World War I Causes Explanation imperialism the policy of one nation acquiring another country or region European nations - Great Powers - established colonies to create empires they exploited the land and resources they wanted raw materials and markets for their manufactured goods European empires aggressively pursued colonies in Africa Germany in conflict with Britain and France Russia, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman empires wanted to control Balkans militarism a nation’s policy of maintaining armed forces ready for war Great Powers developed strong military to protect colonies Britain had the largest navy and Germany wanted to match it Britain built the Dreadnought and Germany built it as well France concerned about German military strength arms race increased tension alliances agreement among nations toward a common goal rivalries between Great Powers resulted in alliances to support and protect one another Triple Alliance : Germany and Austria-Hungary vs Triple Entente: France, Britain, Russia Great Powers hoped alliances would reduce the threat of war alliances made it easier for a country to be drawn into war nationalism pride and patriotism in one’s nation Great Powers’ nationalism fueled imperialism intense nationalism existed in Balkans as Austria- Hungary contained Slavs who wanted independence Serbs in Bosnia wanted independence from Austria Serbia wanted control of Bosnia and unite Slavs to from Greater Serbia Archduke Franz June 28 assassination of Ferdinand in Sarajevo,