The Causes of World War One
Militarism
Is the policy of building up military forces and weaponry and threatening armed aggression
When Britain and Germany spent millions of dollars to build their armies, navies and equip them with the latest weapon of war is when it began
Britain ruled the waters
Germany had the most powerful army in Europe
Britain worked hard to maintain its naval advantage over Germany
Britain developed a new class of warship called a dreadnought
In 1908 Germany had 17 dreadnoughts and Britain had 29 dreadnoughts
Alliances
Europe developed systems of alliances intended to keep the peace in Europe
The Tripe Entente was between France, Great Britain and Russia
War with any allied nation meant mar with the whole alliance
It was intended to deter any aggression
The Triple Alliance was between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy
Alliances had the effect of escalating the mar quickly
All of the great powers were drawn in to the war due to their alliances
Imperialism
The extension of one nation's authority or control over other lands by the needs of economic, political or military
Europe's nations had a confrontation over their possession of faraway colonies at the turn of the century
Colonies were of vital economic importance as places where European countries could secure raw materials and sell manufactured goods
North America, Australia, Asia, Caribbean and Africa all had colonies from Britain which had he largest empire
France occupied parts of Africa and the Far East
Russia held vast stretches of land across Northern Europe and Asia
Germany had a few colonies and wanted more although Britain was trying to prevent this from happening
Nationalism
Deep patriotism and loyalty to the home country was on the rise in Europe
Larger armies and navies were fueled
Led to the drive overseas colonies
European powers were always eager for new territory on their continent to enhance the glory of the homeland