Express immediate causes of World War I.

The immediate cause of World War I were-

1. Mutual alliance- the European countries were making mutual alliances with the other countries so that if any country attacks them then the allied country would help them in such situation. For instance, Russia made alliance with Serbia, Germany with Austria- Hungary, France with Russia and so on.

2. Imperialism- The European countries were increasing their empires and resources by increasing their powers in the Asian and African countries.

3. Race for arms- The race to create new and advanced arms led to the competition between various European powers and they also began to increase their armies and navies for any future wars to happen.

4. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand- The most immediate cause for WWI was assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria- Hungary by the Serbian nationalist named Gavrilo Princip. The assassination led to Austria- Hungry declaring war on Serbia. Serbia was backed by Russia as both had signed an alliance. These events led to larger participation of other European countries.