This lesson puts pre-war Europe under the microscope, tackling the complicated question of what – or who – caused the start of World War One. It breaks down the complex web of alliances, relationships, and simmering resentment among European powers.

This lesson contains:

• The alliances, ententes, relationships, and rivalries that contributed to rising tensions in the decades leading up to the outbreak of World War One.
• Analysis of how and why these tensions developed between European nations and how these contributed to the declaration of war.
• A look at which European nations contributed to increased tensions across Europe, and how far each was to blame for starting World War One.