MAIN causes of World War One by Steven Young

Definition

sjyoung3 — 2024-05-14 12:57:45 UTC

Militarism is the practice of expanding a country's military force. This is done in two ways, developing new ways of war, and increasing the size of the standing army. When we think of World War 1, the practice of militarism is most commonly associated with the development of new weapons and ways of war, including the invention of early tanks, and the emergence of trench warfare.

How it help start the war

sjyoung3 — 2024-05-14 13:00:28 UTC

Though many attribute the start of World War One to the European imperialism, and the disputes it caused over territory, without the expanding focuses on militarism, the war wouldn't have likely been so quickly joined by many powers at the time. Additionally, many countries wanted to show their military power, and the war gave ample opportunity to do so.

How it prolonged the war

sjyoung3 — 2024-05-14 13:04:05 UTC

The practice of militarism, on top of being one of the main causes of World War One, was also one of the reasons it lasted as long as it did. Because of militarism, and the technological advances in warfare, many more casualties were seen in this war than previous ones, and that only got worse with the introduction of trench warfare. Trench warfare can be described as simply sitting in a hole, for potentially weeks, waiting for one side to charge the other, often to their deaths, with the addition of early planes and tanks, the trench where often only slightly safer than the open plains of the battlefields.

Definition

sjyoung3 — 2024-05-14 14:39:09 UTC

An alliance can be defined as a treaty between two or more countries promising to go to the others aid when needed. Alliances offer protection and security, and are in theory a good way to maintain peace.

How it caused the war

sjyoung3 — 2024-05-14 14:45:03 UTC

As stated previously, alliance, theoretically help keep peace, as they ensure that who ever attack a nation, will have two forces to deal with. In practice however, the alliances before World War One are one of the main reasons as many countries got involved in the war to begin with. Because each power had an alliance with a country smaller or larger than them, several nations where dragged into the war.

How the Alliances between Britain, Russia, and France led to World War One.

sjyoung3 — 2024-05-15 12:57:04 UTC

Russia, France, and Britain, otherwise known as Allies, (Germany, Italy, and The Ottoman Empire were known as the Central Powers.) Where one of the main reasons World War One broke out. Because these three countries were allied, when Germany and Russia declared war, the Allies joined Russia in the war, while the Central Powers joined Germany, leading to the previously massive scale of World War One

Definition

sjyoung3 — 2024-05-15 15:13:06 UTC

Nationalism is a dedication to one's country, as well as the want for one's country to be ruled by their people. This causes a countries citizens to be very willing to defend them, and often very willing to help expand a nations power.

Definition

sjyoung3 — 2024-05-15 15:13:14 UTC

Imperialism is the practice of expanding a country's power through gaining land, whether through diplomacy or military force. Imperialism before world war one was best seen in the European nations claims on africa and the contest for the Balkans. America's acquisition of areas like hawi, guam, puerto rico, and alaska are also examples of pre world war one imperialism.

How imperialism creates tension

sjyoung3 — 2024-05-15 15:22:11 UTC

The practice of imperialism is one that has brought tension for a long time, and before World War One is no exception. Imperialism creates conflict over land, something that if not resolved diplomatically, generally leads to war, as seen with World War One

The Balkans, and how Russia & Germany's claims brought about World War One.

sjyoung3 — 2024-05-15 15:27:36 UTC

The Balkans are an area of central Europe, which before WW1 were heavily contested, both by the people living there, and outside powers wishing to seize control. Because of both Germany and Russia's claims to the area, when one side made moves towards the Balkans the other declared it hostile action, this ultimately lead to Russia declaring war on Germany.

Nationalism Before WW1

sjyoung3 — 2024-05-28 12:51:15 UTC

Nationalism isn't something new to Europe, and during and before WW1, it was a cause of great tension. This is seen with the Irish, and formation of the IRA, as they didn't wish to be controlled by the British. Furthermore, when Napoleon put his cousin in charge of spain, the people revolution, wanting a spanish ruler.

How It Lead to WW1

sjyoung3 — 2024-05-28 12:53:12 UTC

The claim over the Balkans that several countries felt they had, was a very visible cause of WW1, in addition to this however, the people of the Balkans likely did not wish to be controlled by people who weren't their own.