Why did it turn into a source of tension and conflicts in Europe
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Answer:
Early 20th-century Europe was a chaotic conglomeration of powerful countries, countries trying to be powerful, alliances, ideals, and tensions, all of which helped pave the way to World War I. We'll look briefly at all of these factors.
Let's begin with the nations who were major players in the drama leading up to the war.
Germany was united as one country in 1871. Its next step was to increase its power militarily and politically and to expand that power across the world.
Austria-Hungary, officially the Austro-Hungarian Empire since 1867, looked powerful but was always trying to solidify the many nationalities that fell under its domain. It had to deal with constant internal power struggles.
France was no longer the influential nation it once was. It was still smarting from losing the Franco-Prussian War to Germany in 1871, and it wanted the territory of Alsace-Lorraine back.
Great Britain owned about ¼ of the world by 1900 and was happy enough to keep to itself in 'splendid isolation.' It could not, however, avoid being drawn into continental tensions.
Russia, huge nation that it was, seemed strong, but it was actually wracked with internal difficulties as the monarch's power declined and a political crisis simmered just beneath the surface.
Italy had united as a nation shortly before, and it couldn't seem to make up its mind about who its allies were.
Serbia would surprisingly play a major role. It was ticked off that Austria-Hungary had annexed its fellow Slavic neighbors.