Factors that led to warNationalism: Countries wanted to prove their superiority over others Imperialism: Countries competed to gain control of territories in Europe and Africa Militarism: Countries had growing militaries and formed military alliances Outdated diplomacy: Diplomatic technology was outdatedChain reactionPrincip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia Russia came to Serbia's defense Because of military alliances, the war spread across Europe Because European countries had colonies around the world, the war became global The war eventually involved countries outside of Europe, such as Japan and the United States.