Question

around 1900, european nations built up their military forces, formed alliances, and expanded their colonial holdings in their efforts to force their enemies to start wars. maintain a balance of power. put a conscription system in place. end the spirit of militarism.

Explanation:

In the period around 1900, European nations engaged in militarization, alliance-building, and colonial expansion as a strategy to preserve a balance of power on the continent. This was a core diplomatic goal to prevent any single nation from becoming dominant, which would destabilize the region. The other options are incorrect: they did not aim to force war (this was an unintended outcome), conscription was a tool for militarization not the overall goal, and their actions increased militarism rather than ending it.

Answer:

maintain a balance of power.