What were the long term causes of the First World War?

The alliances were a long term cause of the First World War. In 1882, The Triple Alliance was created between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy. The Triple Entente was created in 1907 between Britain, Russia and France. The countries had aligned themselves in blocks ready for a war. Militarism was also another long term factor. Military spending increased across all powers and everyone but Britain had conscription. The armies of France and Germany doubled between 1870 and 1914 and the rivalry between the countries led to a building of weapons and increasing distrust. A naval arms race had also ensued between Germany and Britain. The Launch of the Dreadnought in 1906 made matters far worse. An arms race began with the building of these ships. Britain believed that they needed them as they were an island, whereas Germany was virtually land locked except for the Polish Corridor and has no need for a strong navy, other than to try rival Britains. Britain won the arms race due to their employment of the 2+ 1 system. Overtime Germany built a ship, Britain would double the amount made and then add one more. Nationalism was also a long term factor in starting the First World War. Weltpolitik (World Politics) was a concept derived by Germany. In France a need for revenge over the Germans taking their territory of Alsace Lorraine, was very strong. In Britain, imperialism and support for the empire was a mood often conveyed. This meant that in these countries, there was little resistance to war because of the nationalism in the countries.