THE CAUSES OF WW1

Question 1

Militarism in WWI

Answer 1

The build-up of armed forces to protect nations and the competition in naval and land forces.

Examples:
Germany competed with England in building battleships, creating fear of a naval attack on the British Empire.

Question 2

Alliances in WWI

Answer 2

Description: By 1914, all major powers were linked by a system of alliances, which increased the likelihood of both the outbreak of war and its subsequent spread.

Details:
These alliances were often defensive in nature, meant to deter aggression by showing potential adversaries the strength of the alliances.

The complex web of alliances created a situation where if one country was attacked, its allies would come to its aid, potentially drawing multiple nations into a conflict.

Consequences:
The presence of alliances made the outbreak of World War I more probable, as the obligations of these alliances could quickly escalate conflicts.
Once the war started, these alliances played a significant role in expanding the conflict, as nations honored their commitments to their allies.

Question 3

Imperialism in WWI

Answer 3

Description: All major powers were competing for colonies and territory as they were seen as sources of glory and prestige.

Question 4

Nationalism in WWI

Answer 4

Description: In the early 20th century, all nations sought to assert their power and independence, leading to heightened nationalism.
Details:
Nationalism is the belief in and promotion of the interests of one’s nation or ethnic group above all others.
In Europe, various ethnic groups, particularly the Slavs, sought to break free from the rule of larger empires.
Serbia and Russia supported Slavic nationalist movements in the Balkans, aiming to undermine Austrian rule in the region.
Impact:
Nationalism fueled a sense of patriotism and loyalty to one’s nation, but it also created tensions as ethnic groups sought independence.
Ethnic and nationalist conflicts in the Balkans, like the desire of Slavic peoples to free themselves from Austrian rule, added to the instability in Europe and contributed to the outbreak of World War I.