🔹 Introduction World War I (1914–1918), also known as the Great War , was one of the most transformative events of the 20th century. It not only reshaped the political map of Europe but also had profound consequences on colonies like India . For UPSC Mains (GS1: World History) and Prelims , World War I remains an evergreen topic, as it links colonial history, nationalism, and global geopolitics . 🔹 Causes of World War I The outbreak of the war was the result of a complex mix of immediate triggers and long-term rivalries : Militarism – Aggressive arms race among European powers. Alliances – Entangled system of Triple Entente (Britain, France, Russia) vs. Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy). Imperialism – Scramble for colonies led to tensions in Africa and Asia. Nationalism – Balkan nationalism (Serbia, Bosnia) threatened Austro-Hungarian dominance. Immediate Trigger – Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (1914) in Sarajevo. 🔹 Im...