The rise of nationalism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries significantly contributed to the tensions that led to World War I. Various ethnic groups sought self-determination and independence, particularly in the Balkans, where nationalist movements challenged the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires. Additionally, competitive nationalism fueled rivalries among the major European powers, as countries sought to assert their dominance and protect their interests. This heightened sense of national identity and competition ultimately played a key role in the outbreak of the war following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914.
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