The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria is often ascribed as the cause of World War I. However, the assassination merely lit the fuse in a combustible situation since many of the world powers were in complicated and convoluted military alliances. For example, England, France, and Russia entered into a mutual defense treaty seven years prior to World War I. Even without Franz Ferdinand's assassination ______________________.
Which of the following most logically completes the passage?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The passage indicates that the world powers were already in a combustible situation due to complicated military alliances, making war extremely likely even without the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Choice B is incorrect because the passage does not suggest that World War I would never have happened. Choice C is incorrect as it specifically names the countries that would have started the war, which is not supported by the passage. Choice D is also incorrect as the passage does not solely attribute the war's start to Austria.
Nokea