Causes Of Wwi Essay, Research Paper

Militarianism is the glorification of armed strength. Militarianism drove many

people to join the army and help their countries during war time. These large armies

drove countries to join into the war. In today’s times militarianism is still alive in the

Middle East where tanks roll through the streets in parades in order to gain military

support.

Imperialism is the practice by where powerful nations or people seek to extend

and keep control or influence over a weaker nation or person. Some people think of

imperialism solely for European expansion after 1870. Imperialism is similar in meaning

to colonialism. Colonialism usually implies formal political control, having to do with

territorial changes and loss of sovereignty. Imperialism refers to the control or influence

that is exercised directly or indirectly politically or economically from a stronger nation

to many weaker ones. The spirit of nationalism was established during economic conflict.

The Industrial Revolution, followed in France in the early 19th century, and then in

Germany after 1870, caused an immense increase in the manufactures of each country

and a consequent need for foreign markets. The principal field for the European policies

of economic expansion was Africa, and on that continent colonial interests frequently

clashed. Several times between 1898 and 1914 the economic rivalry in Africa between

France and Great Britain, and between Germany on one side and France and Great

Britain on the other, almost precipitated a European war. Imperialism is still in place in

the world today. The U.S. exerts considerable influence over certain Third World

nations, in financial organizations, such as the World Bank. European powers have also

continued to affect significantly the politics and the economics of their former

colonies.

An alliance is two or more nations united by a formal treaty for some agreed-upon

purpose. Many alliances are for defensive reasons, many times involving a pledge of

mutual military assistance against a common enemy. Alliances were a cause of World

War I because it not only put one nation against another, but it put many nations against

others. The Triple Alliance and Triple Entente were the two alliances that started

triggered the war. Alliances are still present today but in less aggressive forms. NAFTA is

an example of a trade alliance.

Nationalism is the movement in where the nation-state is regarded as the top

priority for the realization of social, economic, and cultural goals. Nationalism is

characterized by a feeling of community among people, based on common heritage,

language, and religion. Nationalism emerged as a distinctive movement in the 18th

century. Before nationalism was established, states were based on religious or family ties;

citizens owed loyalty to their church or ruling family. The principle of national self-

determination, was largely ignored by the dynastic and reactionary forces that dominated

in the settlement of European affairs at the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Revolutions and

strong nationalistic movements during the 19th century succeeded in nullifying much of

the reactionary and anti-nationalist work of the congress. Belgium won its independence

from the Netherlands in 1831, the unification of Italy was accomplished in 1861, and that

of Germany in 1871. At the close of the century, the problem of nationalism was

unresolved in other areas of Europe, resulting in tensions within the regions involved

and between various European nations. One particularly prominent nationalistimovement, Panslavism, figured heavily in the events preceding the war. As the 1990s

began, nationalism is still a strong force in world affairs. Competing Jewish, Arab, and

Palestinian nationalists continue to generate political instability in the Middle East.