'The alliance system was the most important cause of the First World War'. Discuss.

Answering an essay question: three elmements: 1) deconstruct question, 2) anlysis, 3) facts 1) consider: type - Discuss, evaluate quotation, (in this case) consider given factor and compare relative significance to others; focus - cause of WWI; assumptions: that alliance system was most imprtant cause 2) use consideration from step one and historical knowledge to form argument, for example: in this case the quotation takes a particular historiographical stance which can be used as an entry/approach for the essay. First therefore state the argument for alliance system (Triple Entente and Triple Alliance dividing Europe into two armed camps, arms race, both long and short term tensions, draws everyone into war after July crisis). But then evaluate, eg. Italy doesnt join first then switches sides. Pose alternative arguments: Germany (classic Fischer's thesis), balkans 'the powder keg of Europe', etc. Come to conclusion, the most important cause was actually a broad movement of nationalism throughout Europe, responsible for imperial tensions, alliances, arms race that created long and medium term distrust and tensions creating the conditions sparked by the July crisis (a crisis indeed born of nationalism) 3) use facts to back up arguments