How Did Imperialism Cause Ww1

THE GROWTH OF IMPERIALISM WAS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CAUSE OF WWI – HOW FAR DO YOU AGREE?
World War One was between opposing alliances from 1914 to 1918. This event injuries to 9 million men, some of which will never heal and therefore leave them traumatised the rest of their lives. The American historian, Sidney Bradshaw Fay believes that there were four main long term causes that sparked the Great Powers to induce this war. These included, militarism, alliances, imperialism and nationalism. While each was just as important as the other, it can be argued that imperialism and the Great Powers strive to expand their nations was a leading cause of World War One from the 28th of July 1914.

Militarism is the act of building up a nation’s army and navy in the preparation of war, this action was a significant factor to WW1. Evidence contributing to this statement is the “Naval Race” of 1906 between Britain and Germany. During this race, both Powers pushed to outdo each other with the size and power of

Evidence regarding this is the collaboration of Serbia and Russia during the “Bosnia Crisis” of 1908. Russia aimed to defend Serbia against Austria-Hungary’s annexation of Bosnia. Russia’s defence of Serbia in the “Bosnia Crisis” demonstrates tension between the nations which ultimately led to the need of Alliances. Further evidence supporting alliances is Italy joining the Dual Alliance in 1882. This was due to the tensions between Italy and Russia from their competition to acquire a large empire in Africa. As France had lost to Prussia in the Franco-Prussian war of 1871 Prussia considered France an enemy. It then made sense for Italy to join the Dual Alliance which ensured the safety of both Italy and Germany against France. This trust between the allies gave them the needed support to in pursuing their imperial and national needs as they knew they would be backed