Four Main Causes Of World War I

Throughout history, conflict has stemmed from international competition and tensions. I am honored to have been invited here today, on the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War I. As you all may know, the four main causes of World War I are considered to be militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism. Some believe that it was nationalism in Serbia and other countries that caused the war, while others believe it was the militarism of opposing countries, all competing to be the most advanced. Along with that, some say it was the spread of industrialism that motivated these countries to international war. While it is true that all of these motivations contributed to WWI, the most significant cause is clearly the alliances on either

Certain countries were threatened by shared borders, or advancing militaries. In The Century of Total War by Raymond Aron, it is explained that Germany’s involvement in the war “had created among [England and France] an alliance which claimed it was defensive in nature but was denounced by German propaganda as an attempt at [the] encirclement [of Germany]’s territory.” (Document 3) Situations like this one, with a shared border between France and Germany led to assumptions of encirclement from Germany and fear from France and England of Germany’s mobilization. The alliances in Europe contributed to heightened rivalries, each country desiring to be more powerful than another. A report from Colonel E.M. House sent to President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 details the extent of the competitiveness between

England does not want Germany wholly crushed, for she would then have to reckon alone with her ancient enemy, Russia; but if Germany insists upon an ever increasing navy then England will have no choice. The best chance for peace is an understanding between England and Germany in regard to naval armaments and yet there is some disadvantage to us by these two getting too close. (Document 14)

It is visible in this report that the rivalries between alliances were barrelling towards a climax. The rival alliances were at arms, and ever competing with one another. Countries were motivated to support their allies and actively harm their rivals. The alliances in the war only intensified these intense exchanges. It it weren’t for the ‘blocs’ the rivalries would be settled in smaller skirmishes, or would fizzle out due to lack of