NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote
Germany s Eagerness to Rule In exploring the causes of the First World War, many diverse theories have been argued. Many people indicted imperialism as the principle cause of the war. Many others say that the arms race (militarism) was the culprit. I believe that several of these things combined caused the First World War. The Alliance system caused many fears throughout Germany.
Germany felt like they had their backs against the wall with no allies. This caused Germany to fight back, leading to the First World War. There are many factors that led to hostility between military powers in Europe. Militarism was one cause for many of these hostilities. Militarism in the early 1900 s was very similar to the arms race of today.
Because Great Britain had a good navy, Germany felt as though they needed a strong navy as well (McDonough 8). Germany and France also competed for larger armies. The more one nation built up its army or navy the more the other nations felt they had to do the same. Each country was constantly trying to be better than the other. This led to great military expansion for Britain, Germany, and France. Another cause for many hostilities was imperialism.
Some European nations ruled smaller countries, called colonies, and competed with each other to amass more colonies. Gathering these colonies became known as imperialism. Both France and Britain had colonies all throughout Africa and Asia (McDonough 6 - 7). Germany and Italy soon realized how France and Britain s countries were expanding and they too wanted a colonial empire. In addition to many political conflicts, the hostilities were pushed by such forces as nationalism or patriotism. Nationalism led many European nations to compete for the largest army and navy, or the greatest industrial development, or the biggest empire.
The main hostilities in Europe all derived from competing with each other. Twenty years before the war, nations of Europe started making alliances. It was thought that these alliances would promote peace all throughout Europe. Each country was supposed to be protected by their allies in case war was waged on them. This policy was thought to make it foolish for one country to wage war on another.
The danger of these alliances was that a dispute between two nations could bring everyone else into the fight. This is exactly what happened when Austria-Hungary had a dispute with Serbia. Sir Edward Grey, a foreign secretary for Britain, said: I gave no indication that we would stand aside; on the contrary, I said to the German ambassador that, as long as there was a dispute between Austria and Serbia alone, I did not feel entitled to intervene, but that, directly it was a matter between Austria and Russia, it became a question of peace in Europe which concerned us all (McDonough 20). Once Russia moved into action against Austria-Hungary, Germany declared war on Russia. This set off many declarations of war from one country to another.
The central powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire were at war against the allied powers, which existed of France, Great Britain, and Russia. Throughout all the factors that could have led to hostilities between superpowers in Europe, the main cause was the country of Germany. The stage was set for Germany to expand and rise to the ranking of a superpower in Europe. Germany expanded their military capabilities by extensive funding to the defense of their territory. Many people saw this as act of aggression. The British soon expanded their military to keep up with Germany.
Germany must have felt provoked or at least threatened into feeling challenged. The Germans were not about to jeopardize the progress that their country had made. Roland Stromberg says The Germans believe that jealous neighbors plotted to encircle and destroy a country whose only crime was her success (Sherman 231). The point trying to be made is that maybe there never would have been a World War One if Germany would not have felt threatened.
Perhaps Germany only declared war because they didnt want to be attacked first. Although Britain, France, and Russia were justified in preparing their defenses, this may have made Germany feel threatened. Germany was only responding to human nature. They fought back when they felt their backs were against the wall. Stromberg goes on to say It was with exultation, not sorrow, that the peoples of Europe greeted the war, a fact that in the last analysis may go farther to explain its coming than all the details of diplomacy (Sherman 232).
This proves that none of the parties involved were concerned with the ramifications of a global war. Instead of weighing out their actions, the always present element of pride blinds the harsh reality of what might be our planet s first war of many nations. Europe was apparently happy about the war with Germany. This is also a contributing factor to which Germany might have felt threatened. All throughout the years preceding the war, many events led to many hostilities.
The blame for the war cannot be put on one nation. In the end Germany s over ambitiousness cost them the power in which they were trying to protect. Outside influences undoubtedly played a role in the end result but the primary responsibility should have been placed on the shoulders of the Germans aggressive attitude and their eagerness to dominate.
Free research essays on topics related to: first world war, felt threatened, arms race, france and britain, austria hungary
Research essay sample on First World War France And Britain
