Causes of World War I

Probably the most important reason why war broke out in 1914 is that none of the great European powers (Britain, Germany, France, Russia, Austria Hungary) tried hard enough to avoid it. The countries of Europe had been expecting war since the beginning of the century and had prepared for it. Britain saw Germany as the major threat to her position as Europe's greatest military and economic power. She was convinced that Germany intended to threaten her trade and empire. France also feared Germany and wanted revenge for her defeat by the Germans in 1871.

As a result of these fears, Britain, France and Russia had drawn together in a loose alliance against Germany. Germany, in turn, formed an alliance with Austria. At the same time, both sides were busily expanding their armed forces - especially their navies - in an effort to build more powerful forces than their likely enemies. Naval power would be vital in any future war.

Neil Demarco: Britain and the Great War; Oxford University Press, 1992/2000, page 7