What are the causes of the first World War?

The causes of World War I remain controversial. World War I began in the Balkans in July 28, 1914 and ended on November 11, 1918, leaving 17 million dead and 20 million wounded. Scholars looking at the long term seek to explain why two rival sets of powers (the German Empire and Austria-Hungary against the Russian Empire, France, the British Empire and later the United States) came into conflict by 1914.

Explanation:

to extend a country’s power and influence

the exclusive possession or control of the supply or trade in a commodity or service.