Which of the following was NOT a cause of World War I?

The correct answer is industrialization, as it was not a direct cause of World War I. While industrialization did have a significant impact on the development of military capabilities and economies across Europe, it was not one of the primary underlying causes of the war itself.

Militarism refers to the belief in building up strong armed forces to prepare for war, which significantly influenced the tensions between European nations in the lead-up to the conflict. Alliances were agreements between countries that aimed to ensure mutual defense, which created a complex web of obligations that contributed to the escalation of the conflict once it began. Imperialism involved the competition for colonies and resources, creating rivalries that further strained international relations and heightened tensions between nations.

Industrialization provided the means and resources to sustain long-term conflicts, but it was the ideologies of militarism, alliances, and imperialism that directly led to the outbreak of World War I. Understanding the specific roles of these factors helps contextualize the relationships and tensions that culminated in the war.