World War I PROTRACTED/LONG TERM CAUSES Belief Systems and Philosophies Germany a insecure, new nation seeking its place Legacies of Bismarck ? the Alliance System, Bismarckian Diplomacy Militarism: Increasing Insecurity, Distrust, Paranoia Colonial Rivalries lead to Conflicts: Imperialism Economic Rivalries IMMEDIATE CAUSES International Crises Balkan Wars Assassination of Austrian Arch-Duke Ferdinand ?Blank Check? Invasion of Serbia Mobilization of the Beligerents Von Schlieffen Plan Crossing the Belgian Frontier Causes: Nationalism, and Belief Systems/Philosophy Realpolitik Social Darwinism Will to Power Germany: a New Nation Finding its ?Place in the Sun? Rise of German Industry and World Trade French Revanche