There were a variety of underlying causes in World War I. They were militarism, alliances, nationalism, and a mix of imperialism. Before the war Nations started to build up their arms (DBQ: What Were the Underlying Causes of World War 1, 2010, Doc 7) making a competition for dominance, and alliances are formed making powerful armies. Nations produced propaganda infuriating the citizens and giving the pride in their nation which led to nationalism. Nationalism is a patriotic feeling for your nation, causing new literature relating to the war, for example this poem “When Britain first at Heaven's command Arose from out the azure Main; This was the charter of the land, And guardian angels sand this strain;...The Nations not so blest as thee, Shall in their turns to tyrants fall; While thou shalt flourish great and free, The dread and envy of them all.(DBQ: What Were the Underlying Causes of World War 1, 2010, Document 5) These people believe in themselves and took serving their nation as a duty to themselves and their pride and nations used propaganda (information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.) in which made people angry at other nations and wanted to fight. …show more content…
In the next seven days Russia declares war on Austria-Hungary, Germany declared war on Russia, France declared war on Germany and Austria-Hungary, Britain joined France and Russia, Europe is at war!” (DBQ: What Were the Underlying Causes of World War 1, 2010, Background