The correct answer is C) Militarism contributed to a European arms race.
The countries in the European mainland had always been in a sporadic conflict for over a millenimum.
By the 19th century there was wide-spread prosperity in Europe.
In this prosperity many countries began to adopt militarism, the belief that a strong and modern army is necessary to not only defend the country but ensure national interests are promoted abroad.
It culminated in a strong Arms race between all major European powers of France, Germany, United Kingdom etc.
