Which of the following contributed to the causes of World War I?

The causes of World War I are multifaceted, but one of the most widely accepted analyses identifies militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism as the primary contributing factors.

Militarism refers to the arms race and the build-up of military forces among the major European powers, which created an environment ripe for conflict as nations prepared for potential war rather than seeking diplomatic resolutions. Alliances played a critical role, as countries formed strategic partnerships that promised mutual defense, leading to a situation where a conflict involving one nation could quickly escalate into a wider war. Imperialism involved the competition among European nations for colonies and resources, which fueled rivalries and tensions. Nationalism heightened these tensions, as various ethnic groups pursued self-determination and national pride, often leading to conflicts within and between nations.

The other options do not adequately encapsulate the primary factors that led to World War I. For instance, isolationism and pacifism are generally contrary to the aggressive stance taken by European powers at the time. Furthermore, while democracy and capitalism were relevant in a broader sense, they did not serve as direct causes of the war. Communication and economic stability also do not represent the underlying tensions and rivalries that characterized the pre-war period. Thus, the combination