Since each major nation that ultimately became involved in the carnage believed that a war would increase its power and bring a windfall of economic benefits, conditions were ripe for conflict.
Kuna iga suurriik, kes lõpuks verevalamisse kaasa haarati, uskus, et sõda suurendab tema võimu ning toob talle kiire majandusliku tõusu, oli olukord kokkupõrkeks küps.