RelevanceOver time, countries throughout Europe made mutual defenseagreements that would pull them into battle. Thus, if one countrywas attacked, allied countries were bound to defend them. BeforeWorld War 1, the following alliances existed:•Russia and Serbia•Germany and Austria-Hungary•France and Russia•Britain and France and Belgium•Japan and BritainAustria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, Russia got involved todefend Serbia. Germany seeing Russia mobilizing, declared war onRussia. France was then drawn in against Germany andAustria-Hungary. Germany attacked France through Belgium pullingBritain into war. Then Japan entered the war. Later, Italy and theUnited States would enter on the side of the allies.2. ImperialismImperialism is when a country increases their power and wealthby bringing additional territories under their control. BeforeWorld War 1, Africa and parts of Asia were points of contentionamongst the European countries. This was especially true because ofthe raw materials these areas could provide. The increasingcompetition and desire for greater empires led to an increase inconfrontation that helped push the world into World War I.3. MilitarismAs the world entered the 20th century, an arms race had begun.By 1914, Germany had the greatest increase in military buildup.Great Britain and Germany both greatly increased their navies inthis time period. Further, in Germany and Russia particularly, themilitary establishment began to have a greater influence on publicpolicy. This increase in militarism helped push the countriesinvolved to war.4. NationalismMuch of the origin of the war was based on the desire of theSlavic peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina to no longer be part ofAustria Hungary but instead be part of Serbia. In this way,nationalism led directly to the War. But in a more general way, thenationalism of the various countries throughout Europe contributednot only to the beginning but the extension of the war in Europe.Each country tried to prove their dominance and power.