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Why did the First World War begin? (Imperialism (The increase in lands…
Why did the First World War begin?
Imperialism
Africa was conquered by lots of different countries/empires. Germany took Togo and Cameroon.
The increase in lands owned by the British and French worsened the rivalry with Germany.
Germany had entered the scramble to acquire colonies late and only got small areas of Africa.
Germany had recently unified as a single country and wanted to start an empire.
Imperialism is when one country annexes (takes over) another country and makes it subject to their rule. By 1900 the British Empire had extended over five continents and France had control of large Areas of Africa.
Alliances
Britain, France and Russia were part of the Triple Entente.
Italy, Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire were part of the triple alliance.
An alliance is an agreement made between two or more countries.
When Franz Ferdinand was assassinated it caused a deadly chain reaction with other alliances.
Franz Ferdinand death -> Serbia vs Austria-Hungary -> Russia joins with Serbia -> Germany joins in to help out Austria-Hungary -> Germany begin the Schlieffen plan -> Britain joins in because the neutrality of Belgium is broken because of Germany
Nationalism
Where a country wants to feel superior
This can cause tension between other countries. For example Brexit.
Nationalism means being a strong supporter of the rights and interests of ones country.
When feeling superior, a country can become aggressive and dangerous. For example the Gilets Jaunes
Militarism
Germany's global ambitions threatened French and British interests in Africa and Asia
Britain had the largest navy in the world by 1906
Germany and Britain soon started racing for the best navy
Britain soon built a 'Dreadnought'. It was the best ship at the time
Militarism means that the army and military forces are given a high profile by the government
Passion for having high prestige