Causes of World War I

Four Causes of WWI

• Militarism

  • Militarism is the belief that a nation should maintain a strong military and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests.
  • Countries competed to have the largest, most powerful military forces, including the newest and deadliest weapons.
  • The Industrial Revolution led to the creation of new technologies like tanks, hand grenades, machine guns, airplanes, poisonous gas, and flamethrowers.
  • These advancements fueled the desire for stronger militaries and a willingness to use these new weapons.

• Nationalism

  • Nationalism is intense pride and loyalty to one's nation or ethnic group.
  • Nations often sought to prove their superiority over others.
  • Nationalism can lead to a desire for independence from foreign rule or the desire to expand a nation's territory.
  • Nationalist fervor was a major motivator for conflict, encouraging nations to fight for their perceived rights.

• Imperialism

  • Imperialism is the policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.
  • Nations competed for colonies and resources.
  • A primary motive was the acquisition of resources and expansion of power.
  • European powers, in particular, divided Africa and Southeast Asia amongst themselves.
  • This competition for resources and power often led to conflict and tension, a major contributor to World War I.

• Alliances

  • Alliances are agreements between countries to support each other.
  • European nations formed alliances to protect each other in case of attack.
  • The system of alliances created a domino effect.
  • If one country was attacked, its allies were obligated to defend it.
  • This complex web of alliances meant that a localized conflict could quickly escalate into a wider war.
  • Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy formed the Triple Alliance.
  • Britain, France, and Russia formed the Triple Entente.