What were the causes of WWI? Why did the war turn out to be different than people expected it would be?

There were several causes, but jingoism may the primary one. With all of the created alliances and European pride in thinking they had the best weapons and technology, most nations were itching to fight. The ination of Ferdinand was the perfect opportunity to start a war. Most thought the war would only last a few months, but the drawn out and deadly conflict proved otherwise and gave the world a new perspective on war, and to whether or not WWI would be the last one.