History· 5 min read
The Causes of World War One (MAIN), Explained
World War One began in 1914, but the pressures had built for decades. A common way to remember the long-term causes is the acronym MAIN.
MAIN: the four long-term causes
Each letter is one underlying cause.
- •Militarism: an arms race and the glorification of military power, especially between Britain and Germany.
- •Alliances: rival blocs (the Triple Alliance and Triple Entente) meant a local war could pull in many countries.
- •Imperialism: competition for colonies and resources created tension between the great powers.
- •Nationalism: intense national pride and independence movements, especially in the Balkans.
The spark
In June 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo triggered a chain of ultimatums and alliance commitments that turned a regional crisis into a world war within weeks.
Frequently asked questions
What does MAIN stand for?
Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism — the four long-term causes of World War One.
What event triggered World War One?
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June 1914, which set off the alliance system.