World War one Causes

Historians since 1918 have frequently sought for a rational but simplistic explanation for the beginning of World War One, in their attempt to rationalize history. As such, many historians have advanced the argument that it was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 that provided the impetus for the war. However, whilst this assassination may have led to the formal declaration of war, a more thorough examination of the years leading up to 1914 is needed, as it reveals a multitude of complex factors that may have contributed to the outbreak of the war. The conventional argument often put forth by historians ignores the profound influences of nationalism, alliances and imperialism that existed prior to the war. These issues provided not only the context for war but were essential in compelling many European nations to go to war. Ultimately then, although the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand did trigger the literal beginnings of World War One, it is overly simplistic to view this event as the sole cause of the war.

The nationalism that arose in Europe leading up to World War One was ultimately an underlying cause of the creation of war. The balance of power in Europe continually shifted, as European countries competed against each other to be the most powerful. Each leader wanted their country to be recognized as greatly superior compared to the other European super powers. This development of nationalism laid the foundation for the war, and was one of the leading factors in the start of the war. John P. McKay agrees, saying, "The triumph of nationalism was a crucial underlying precondition of the great war." Many countries were competing with each other on both the European continent, and throughout the world, trying to establish new colonies for economic gain. Tensions rose as countries competed to be the most powerful and have the most wealth. Extreme nationalism is a greater form of romanticism. Such nationalism ultimately drove Europe to war. Historian R.R Palmer argues that, "German ideas fell in with all the ferment of fundamental thinking known as romanticism." With the extreme nationalism growing in Europe, thus played a major role in the creation of the war. Palmer agrees that, "They became nationalistic." While there were many issues forming in Europe during the creation of the war, nationalism soon became known as one of the greatest factors in the formal declaration of the war. Although it was uncertain whether or not the leaders wanted war, it is evident that the citizens of the European continent were waiting upon the arrival of war. Although there were many causes for the beginnings of the war, nationalism was the greatest underlying cause going into the Great War.

Imperialism, beginning around 1870 in Africa, was yet another factor which contributed in orchestrating World War One. Indeed historian McKay argues that, "With it's vast and rapidly expanding empire, Britain was often in serious conflict with countries around the world in the heyday of imperialism." Germany was competing against Great Britain and France to gain territories and colonies in Africa and South East Asia. These territories and colonies were exploited by the European powers for their natural resources that would make them large profits, and would in turn help to finance military buildup. Every European super power was after expanding their empire, and when every country is after the same thing, tensions will rise and ultimately escalade into the formation of war. This escalading competition for colonies to exploit was a factor in the impetus of the war. Historian Bernard Feder argues that, "The imperialism of all European countries states has chronically poisoned international relations." When all the colonies were claimed, tensions rose as Germany looked to expand on the African continent. Germany soon became a serious threat to various European empires, especially to Great Britain. In fact McKay goes as far to argue that, "The easy imperialist victories did contribute to a general European overconfidence and reinforced national rivalries." Due to imperialism, the European overconfidence made individual European countries feel overly superior to any other European country. McKay argues that, "Stronger nations have been conquering the weaker." Therefore with

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