Coupled with the short-term factors were other long-term issues that explain why the two sets of rival powers emerged. Leading up to the war, Europe experienced decades of political, territorial and economic conflicts. A complicated web of alliances arose from the years of disputes, resulting in most European countries maintaining a strong military to defend their national interests. Complex military plans were in place to enforce the convoluted alliances, and once these plans were set in motion, it was impossible to stop the military escalation. Imperialism, the act of extending a country's power and influence through military force, was fueling nationalism. All of these factors, coupled with the decline of the Ottoman Empire, caused a perceived