Causes of World War 1

Mutual Defense Alliance

Over time, countries throughout Europe made mutual defense agreements that would pull them into battle. The purpose of these treaties was to ensure that in case an ally had a war the other allied nations be a succor. Ahead of the First World War, the alliances that existed were:

• Russia and Serbia • Germany and Austria-Hungary • France and Russia • Britain and France and Belgium • Japan and Britain

Imperialism

Imperialism was a move to extend the power, wealth and influence of European powers over other territories of interest. The late 1800s was marked by tensions among European powers over territories in Africa and Asia particularly because of the raw materials these territories possessed. The increasing competition and desire for greater empires led to an increase in confrontation that helped push the world into World War I.

Militarism

By the start of the twentieth century, an arms race began in Europe. Germany by 1914 had ameliorated its military in almost all aspects of its operations. Great Britain and Germany had increased their navies mightily. These developments were motivation for these powers to get involved in the war without hesitation.

Mascot: Ameliorate means to make or become better.

Nationalism

The inextinguishable desire of the Slavic people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to sever relations with other Austria-Hungary to rather be part Serbia was another cause of the war. It can be said that the concept of nationalism of many European nations contributed to the beginning and the extension of the war to other ends of the world.