Growing nationalism had been building up long before World War I. Along with the citizens of many multi-ethnic nations of Europe who strove towards independence and unity with their brothers, were the Great Powers who wished to extend their hand over the greater part of Europe and save their prestige. By the time the war started, millions of people were inflamed by patriotism and, contrary to those who believe the armament to be the major …showed first 75 words of 1154 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1154 total…one of the greatest battles in our recent history. How the murder of the archduke started the "war to end all wars" had been in the atmosphere of Europe for some time. Nationalism not only created the many divisions that would propel the need for war but was also the catalyst, the shooting of the Austrian Archduke. The passion of the people and their leaders would result in four years of battle and millions dead.