World War 1 Dbq

Militarization was the most significant cause of World War I because countries were enhancing their militaries in order to increase their power, and it led to new military technologies.
Germany and Great Britain were improving their military strength by expanding their army during 1914. “By 1914, Germany had the greatest increase in military buildup. Great Britain and Germany both greatly increased their navies in this time period… the military establishment began to have a greater influence on public policy.” (CAUSES OF WORLD WAR I) This means the military started to have more power to make decisions that affected the public. It's important because it demonstrates how the military was gaining power over the people, which would result in greater force in the military. Developing their militaries was a strategy used by countries to gain their influence and power. "By the 1890s, the great land armies of France, Germany, Austria-Hungary,

In the chart, one of the nations that raised its spending on weaponry most was Great Britain. (Document 1) Countries spent on new technologies to boost their navies, weapons, and armies, which increased their military and aggression. Germany established a Navy Law that increased their battleships and army due to the start of a shipbuilding program. “..a long-term shipbuilding programme began. The German Navy Law of 1898 increased the German battleships from nine cruisers to twelve. In 1900 Germany passed a Navy Law which doubled the German battle fleet.” (World War 1 - Militarism) This indicates that Germany was increasing its military capabilities by spending heavily on shipbuilding. This matters because the arms race that took place prior to World War I was significantly influenced by Germany's spending on its military technologies. It demonstrates how Germany was using its technology to strengthen its military and show its