Chapter 25 The Beginning of the Twentieth-century Crisis: War and Revolution The Road to World War I Nationalism and Internal Dissent Division of Europe?s great powers into two loose alliances only added to tensions Each nation-state regarded itself as sovereign, subject to no higher interest or authority Each state was motivated by its own self-interest and success Not all ethnic groups had achieved the goal of nationhood Socialist labor movements had grown more powerful Militarism Influence of military leaders grew as armies grew Military leaders insisted that their plans could not be altered Generals? lack of flexibility forced European political leaders to make decision for military instead of political reasons The Outbreak of War: The Summer of 1914