This collection of resources examines the causes of various conflicts in the last millennium, from religious and civil wars to revolutions and global wars. The origins of conflict through history are often many and varied; they often, too, include simmering causes of discontent between the parties involved, which have existed long before any fighting ever took place. Common causes of wars throughout history include:
- the desire for land and resources
- disputes over borders
- the disputed succession of a ruler
- differences in religion
- nationalism
- a desire for independence (e.g. from a colonial power)
- a desire to remove a tyrannical or incompetent ruler
- self-defence against a perceived aggressor
- the personal ambitions of leaders
- the need to distract from domestic problems
- revenge for a previous act (e. g. an assassination), exploitation, or lost conflict
- treaty obligations
