Final answer:
The start of World War One was a result of complex international politics, alliances, and economic rivalries, but the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand triggered the outbreak of war. The significant imperialistic expansion, the web of alliances, and the rising nationalist tendencies across European nations were underlying factors to its start. Germany's aggressive stance from perceived threats and rising ambitions also played an essential role. Thus (option b) is right answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The underlying reason for the start of World War One was not just one reason, but a complex interplay of national politics, international alliances, and economic rivalries. However, a pivotal event that triggered the outbreak of war was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian nationalist. This single event led to a domino effect because of the aforementioned elements. Thus (option b) is right answer.
The end of the 19th century and the early 20th century were tinted with the color of imperialistic expansion, and the major European powers had entangled themselves in a series of mutual defense and alliance treaties. The Triple Entente and the Central Powers, known as the Triple Alliance, were the two major alliances. Meanwhile, the rising levels of nationalism and the race for colonies further fueled tensions.
Another important motive was the perceived threat to Germany from surrounding nations and its rising ambitions which led Germany to adopt an aggressive stance. This, along with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the complex web of alliances, resulted in the outbreak of World War One. The conflict emerged as a trench-warfare that saw unprecedented military technologies and ultimately resulted in a catastrophic loss of lives.
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