Causes of the First World War: Many economic and political changes took place in Europe which promoted mutual distrust and the spirit of nationalism during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The following causes were responsible for the outbreak of the First World War. (1) Colonial Rivalries- The imperialist countries of Europe like Germany, France, Russia, Italy, England and Austria desired to acquire more and more colonies. Britain and France had already divided most of Africa and Asia. Germany and Italy had their own imperialist designs. Japan and the United States also rose as imperialist countries. The further conquest was … Continue reading Causes of the First World War