<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article is an orphan, as no other articles link to it . Please introduce links to this page from related articles; try the Find link tool for suggestions . (October 2015) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article is an orphan, as no other articles link to it . Please introduce links to this page from related articles; try the Find link tool for suggestions . (October 2015) </Td> </Tr> <P> Geography greatly affected the events and outcomes of World War I' . As World War I was one of the first true global conflicts, it was shaped by the influence of multiple nations and each countries unique problems . Other factors helped shape the war and changed the course of fighting . With the rise of imperialism and a desire for resources, the war involved almost all European nations, and was therefore fought on several fronts . Geographic barriers created diversions and weather patterns helped in leading the Allies to victory . Also, the new spread of technology along with trench warfare and disease eventually led to the defeat of Germany and Austria - Hungary . </P> <P> Imperialism before World War I had been on the rise since the mid-nineteenth century because industrialization had caused a growing need for natural resources . Regions like Africa and India had been settled by European countries in order to make profit and extend power . Tensions began to rise as nations formed alliances with one another to improve their strength . Due to geographical closeness, Germany, Austria - Hungary, and Italy came together as the Triple Alliance and later became the Central powers due to their central positioning in Europe . France and Britain became allies along with Russia in order to defend their borders and support each other in case of war . Conflicts in the Balkans grew steadily, and after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, alliances drew almost all European nations and colonies into what would become known as World War I . </P>

What role did geography play in the outbreak of ww1