The main causes of World War 1 according to the document were militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism. Militarism glorified armed strength in European nations. The system of alliances meant that conflicts could escalate as countries were bound by treaties to support each other militarily. Imperialism and nationalism increased tensions as countries competed for territory and a sense of national superiority. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand sparked World War 1 as it caused countries to take sides through their alliances and mobilize against each other.