how did nationalism, colonial rivalries and struggle for balance and power embroil europe and the 'great war' from 1914-1918.

Nationalism: nationalism was a strong sentiment in European Nations of the early XX century. German nationalism, French nationalism, British nationalism, and others, were a source of tension because the leadership in each nation wanted their nation to be stronger than their neighbors.

Colonial Rivalries: During the early XX century, several European powers were at their height of their colonial power. This meant that they had colonial rivalries in several parts of the world. For example, the British and French Empires were often at odds with each other in Africa and Southeast Asia.

These rivalries contributed to the tensions that brought World War I.

Struggle for balance and power: Some european powers were seen as stronger than other during the time, for example: Britain, which was the wealthiest nation due to its early industrialization.

Other nations were seen as too strong, like the Austro-Hungarian Empire, or the Ottoman Empire, and their rivals saw an opportunity to break them up. These struggles were what ultimately lead to the war.