Causes of WWI Ever since the French Revolution and even before, nations have wanted more and more, so materialistic that they would invade other nations, countries, empires, and continents. This was imperialism. Hence, the reason for the assassination of the Austria-Hungarian Archduke. Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Austria- Hungary thought they could take over Serbia and Bosnia for their resources. As imperialism increased so did the confidence in one’s country, military, economy, nation had increased dramatically. Nationalism is a dangerous thing to play with. Having pride and confidence is great, but too much can destroy and tear apart an empire. All these factors lead to “The Great War.” Because of all the world’s greed and pride for their …show more content…
The arms, the people, the jobs, and just the overall war effort. The graph in document 7 demonstrates the growth in armaments from 1890- 1914. From 1890-1914, the expenditures of every nation involved in WWI doubled. This means that their efforts in winning this war for their side doubled. Additionally, militarism was a cause of the war because of how every leader was focused on building up the biggest, baddest, meanest, and toughest army and navy. This shows that they all indirectly, without saying it, aspired for war. Another example of militarism being a factor is how people wrote and spoke about war. A french journalist says, ”War is life itself. Nothing exists in nature, is born, grows, or multiplies except by combat… It is only warlike nations which have prospered… war is the school of discipline, sacrifice, and courage” (document 1). This quote is stating that the nation can not evolve or that the individuals themselves can not evolve if they do not go to war. It states that the only way to prosper in life and be looked up upon is only through being victorious on a battlefield. They are glorifying the war that, they learn later, destroys billions of lives. This went hand in hand with the pride the leaders had in their