lead to and lead up to

[dilodi83]

Many things led up to the First World War.
Many things led to the First World War.

Do they sound natural?

Is it a way to say that many things brought about the First World War?

 

[markteacher]

The first sentence sounds better for what you are trying to say.

"Many things led up to the First World War."

 

[billmcd]

Yes and Yes.