How did the alliance system in Europe contribute to the start of World War I?

Question

Responses
A The alliance system helped nations secure their national treasuries.The alliance system helped nations secure their national treasuries.
B The alliance system was a failed attempt at diplomacy to keep the peace.The alliance system was a failed attempt at diplomacy to keep the peace.
C The alliance system kept nations divided politically promoting hostility.The alliance system kept nations divided politically promoting hostility.
D The alliance system forced great nations to go to war when their allies did.The alliance system forced great nations to go to war when their allies did.
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Answer 1

D The alliance system forced great nations to go to war when their allies did.

The alliance system in Europe prior to World War I created a network of mutual defense agreements between major powers. When one nation was attacked or went to war, its allies were obliged to support it, which escalated conflicts rapidly. This entanglement of alliances led to a domino effect, wherein a local conflict could easily turn into a full-scale war involving multiple countries. This is exemplified by the events following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, where alliances quickly drew in various nations into the conflict that became World War I.