World War I, also known as the War to End All Wars was a global war originating in Europe that lasted from 28th July 1914 to 11 November 1918. During WWI, the total number of military and civilian casualties were more than 38 million (17 million people died and 20 million wounded) (Strachan 2014). That is why; it is known as the deadliest conflict in human history. There were several reasons behind this war. Some say British Imperialism is the main reason behind this world war where some say Nationalism and some say Militarism. This is a never ending debate as all of these reasons contributed in the raising of WWI. This research will focus to find out what was the main reason behind the World War I.
Several years have passed after the World War I and World War II. It is evident that behind World War II, the main reason was the World War II. Germany after losing World War I was tremendously oppressed by other countries who won the WWI and that initiated the rise of Adolf Hitler and WWII (Strachan 2014). However, one question is still need to be answered. What was the reason behind World War I? It is obvious that the World does not want to experience such a war in the future as the consequences will be much deadlier. That is why; it is important to find out the main reason of World War I so that all the countries can understand it and can refrain themselves from involving into it once again.
Aim of this research is to find out the main reason behind World War I.
What was the main reason behind World War I?
H0 : Imperialism was the primary reason behind World War I
H1: Imperialism was not the primary reason behind World War I
H0: Nationalism was the main reason behind World War I
H1: Nationalism was not the main reason behind World War I
H0: Militarism was the main reason behind World War I
H1: Militarism was not the main reason behind World War I
H0: Alliance was the main reason behind World War I
H1: Alliance was not the main reason behind World War I
The First World War was initiated in August 1914 which was directly triggered by the assassination of the Austrian archduke, Franz Ferdinand, on June 28th 1914. However, historians stated that it was the trigger that initiated the declaration of WWI. They believe that the actual reason or reasons behind this war was more complicated (Panayi 2014). From all the debates and historic data, it can be said that there were three factors that are said to be the reasons behind World War I. These reasons are Imperialism, Nationalism and Militarism.
Imperialism is something when a country forcefully conquers new lands or other countries and makes them subject to their rule. The British Empire, by 1900, extended their rule over five continents. Besides, France had conquered most of the areas of Africa. That was the time when industrialism was at its peak (Furedi 2014). Countries such as Germany were looking for new markets. However, Germany was unable to expand their market as most of the productive markets were captured by either Britain or France. That initiated a rivalry between Germany, Britain and France.
According to Robb (2014), before WWI, the Great Britain was the largest, richest and dominant power of the World. The Empire of Britain captured almost one quarter of the world. Another major power at that time was France that also captured Indochina that included Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia), some major islands on Pacific Sea and a number of colonies in central and South-West Africa. Britain had the control over Canada, India, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Hong Kong, South Africa, Egypt, Australia, Caribbean Islands, Burma, Rhodesia and some parts of Africa (Hewitson 2014). Therefore, it is clearly seen that these two countries were controlling most the world. Nothing was left for Germany except a province in China, Samoa and some colonies in South-West Africa. In order to expand industrialism, Germany wanted to have more land. In Africa, the entire east Africa was under German rule and the colonization was well received by the Germans (Wilkinson 2014). However; it caused problems for Britain as they dreamt to have their own railway running the length of Africa from Cairo to the Cape and German colonies were a major obstacle to it.
Figure 1: Overseas Empires of European Powers, January 1914
(Source: Mombauer 2013)
Nationalism is known as the powerful supporter of rights and interests of one’s country. The Congress of Vienna tried to solve the problems in Europe after the exile of Napoleon. Several delegates came from Britain, Prussia, Russia and Austria who won the battle and decided to leave Germany and Italy as divided states in order to establish a new Europe. Since then, most of the powerful European countries had grown almost drunk with patriotism and nationalism. However, there were reasons behind it. Britain enjoyed their imperial, commercial and naval dominance and developed patriotic song Rule, Britannia. On the other hand, German nationalism was also intense and came from several origins. Germany was comparatively new nation and established Pan-Germanism to bind all the states together (Hart 2014). In the mean time, another form of nationalism was formed in Southern Europe that did not have aim of supremacy or military power. It was for independence and freedom. Such nationalism movement was the war of Slavic Groups in the Balkans. It was Pan-Slavism, under which Slavic people wasted to have their own country. This Pan-Slavism was opposed to Austro-Hungarian Empire and its control and influence over the region (Todman 2014). Because of this Pan-Slavic nationalism, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand took place in Sarajevo. Some historians believe that it was the incident that was the main reason behind the outbreak of World War II.
The concept of Militarism means the army and military forces are provided a high profile by the government. The increasing European divide facilitated an arms race between the major countries such as Britain, Germany and France. Both France and Germany doubles their military power and a fierce competition was seen between Germany and Britain for mastery of seas. In the year of 1906, naval forces of Britain introduced “Dreadnought” which was an effective battleship (Mombauer 2013). Right after that, Germans introduced their own battleship. Von Schileffen also developed a plan that showed how Germany can attack France through Belgium if Russia invades Germany. Before the outbreak of World War I, governments of these countries were strongly influenced by the military leaders (Grayzel 2014). Generals and admirals of these countries used to act as de facto government ministers and used to advise political leaders and influence national policies. As a result of militarism, a dangerous child was born that was arm race. Militarism during that time not only affected policies but also shaped culture, the media and public opinion. The media started to showcase military leaders as heroes. They also painted others nations as aggressive and continuously engaged in “war talks.” However, it is also true that militarism alone was not sufficient to influence such a big war (Herwig 2014). However, it is also true that as a result of militarism the environment of negotiation or diplomacy was ruined. Powerful countries started to believe that war is the best way of resolving international issues and challenges.
An Alliance can be referred as the formal economic, military as well as political between two or more nations to support each other in the event of aggression. It has been observed that alliance agreement has been comprised of logistic or financial support, weapons or military support as well as mobilization of military. Prior to the World War I, the European countries were delved into making alliances for long twenty years. The major purpose of these alliances was promoting peace between these countries. The general idea was any nation would not attack other nation as the allied countries would protect their fellow partners at the time of war. However, in real scenario, any diplomatic conflict between two nations was capable of drawing both of the alliances into fight. It has been observed that while the fight between two countries could be resolved by political pressure from the world, the alliance turned every nation as an enemy of others. This way every nation delved into preserving the interest of their nation as well as alliance. In other words, the trend of alliance created a greater chance of large scale conflict throughout the world. According to (), the First World War was strictly caused by the growing conflict between powerful alliance. The alliance forced the partner nations to take a stand beside allied nation.
After going through all the major factors that are believed to be responsible for World War I, it can be stated that all these three (Imperialism, Nationalism and Militarism) were connected to each other. However, one cannot say that militarism influenced imperialism or nationalism influenced imperialism. It was imperialism and fight for more land that forced the countries to join an arm race. Several countries were fighting to get their freedom and Germany was fighting for some space for industrializing. All these aspects influenced militarism and curved a path for World War I. Therefore, it can be assumed that Imperialism and hunger of Industrialization was the main reason behind World War II.
The first independent variable that has been identified from the first hypothesis is imperialism. The literature review has significantly reviewed that imperialism has been linked with the occurrence of First World War. The current research project would analysis whether the imperialism is primary reason behind the World War I or not. In order to test the hypothesis a case study on imperialism has been selected. Proper case study analysis has been effective to identify the influence of imperialism on causing the First World War. At the same time, the second independent variable has been discerned from the second hypothesis is nationalism. The literature review has pointed how the rise of nationalism created a conflicting situation throughout the world. The hypothesis test has evaluated the influence of nationalism on the origin of First World War. The analysis of the case study selected on the point of nationalism has been able to provide a detailed insight that has able to reject wrong hypothesis.
The third independent variable that has been discerned from the third hypothesis is militarism. It has been identified the rapid increase of militarization has created tension around the globe. In this context, the research project has been quite efficient to analyze whether the militarization eventually led to the First World War or not. The research project has selected an effective case study on militarization, which has been effective to point out the evidences for accepting correct hypothesis. Moreover, the research project has successfully selected the fourth independent variable as Germany’s lack of economic opportunity from the fourth hypothesis The study has revealed whether Germany’s lack of economic opportunity forced the nation to start World War I or not. In this context, the selected case study on the Germany’s economic opportunity at the pre world war time has been able to assist for testing the hypothesis.
It has been observed that Imperial rivalry has been a major contributor in the context of First World War. According to the traditional sense the imperialism can be referred as the control and exploitation of one or multiple colonies by any powerful nation (Falls 2014). There are various means, which have been used for controlling the colonial lands. The most critical procedures adopted by the powerful nations are war and military conquests, political pressure as well as infiltration and annexation. Studying the history, it can be easily discerned that prior to First World War Great Britain was the most dominant, richest and largest imperial power (Furedi 2014). In addition to that, another major imperial power France also controlled a greater landmass including West and North-West Africa. On the other hand, German empire also extended to a significant land including Central and South-West Africa. In the late 18th century, the powerful nations took part in the rush of empire building (Grayzel 2014). For Example, America, Ottoman Empire, Austria-Hungary attempted to gain new landmass. The desperate attempt of acquiring new land created a significant demand for the colonial land. In this situation, relatively new empire of German attempted to create unrest between France and England, so that it can benefit from their conflict. On the other hand, Germany’s success in Africa was not well received by Britain (Hart 2014). In this context, these powerful empires got involved in conflicting diplomatic events. In 1905, Wilhelm II supported the idea of Moroccan independence, against French aspiration to develop protectorate in Morocco. Moreover, in 1911 German armed vessel arrived in Morocco without any warning or permission, while the French were suppressing the rebellion in Morocco. These incidents further escalated the rising tension between these empires.
In addition to that, with the series of shrinkage of Ottoman Empire the powerful nation started to secure their interest in the Balkan sphere. While, Austria-Hungary started to expand in Balkan region, Russia moved to limit the expansion. Germany wanted to ensure its railway vision of Berlin to Baghdad (Herwig 2014). At the same time, Britain and France also got involved for securing their interest. It created a greater opportunity for increased tensions and rivalry between these Greta powers. Therefore, it can be easily understood that the imperialism created a conflicting environment, where the imperial power got into brink of war.
According to Hewitson (2014), Nationalism promotes an excessive loyalty as well as patriotism among the civilian towards their nations. It has been observe that the nationalism encourages the citizens to place their nation’s interest before other nations’ interest. It was believed by the nationalist civilians that their respective nation was superior in every military, economic as well as cultural front. The Congress of Vienna tried to solve the problems in Europe after the exile of Napoleon (Mombauer 2013). Since then, most of the powerful European countries had grown almost drunk with patriotism and nationalism. The major reason of these particular believes was the undefeated progress of European colonialism. This led to a monumental delusive sense of invincibility as well as indifference of War. In the meantime, another form of nationalism was formed in Southern Europe that did not have aim of military power or supremacy (Panayi 2014). The independence and freedom was the greatest purpose of these nationalistic arrangements. Such nationalism movement was the war of Slavic Groups in the Balkans. It was Pan-Slavism, under which Slavic people wasted to have their own country. This Pan-Slavism was opposed to Austro-Hungarian Empire and its control and influence over the region (Todman 2014). Because of this Pan-Slavic nationalism, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand took place in Sarajevo, which is considered as the starting event of World War I. Therefore, it can be easily concluded that nationalism was one of the major contributors of causing the First World War.
It is perceived by major historians that militarism was the most critical factor that actually led to the First World War. The continuous indifference to war of the powerful nations led towards the continuous skirmish against various undeveloped nation. In addition to that, the powerful nations felt that they have to have a significant army at their disposal in order to maintain their influence in the colonial countries (Robb 2014). This led to an armed race between the European countries, as every nation felt they have to maintain their army size and weaponry in order to maintain their supremacy. In the year of 1906, naval forces of Britain introduced “Dreadnought” which was an effective battleship (Mombauer 2013). Right after that, Germans introduced their own battleship. Von Schileffen also developed a plan that showed how Germany can attack France through Belgium if Russia invades Germany. Before the outbreak of World War I, governments of these countries were strongly influenced by the military leaders (Grayzel 2014). Generals and admirals of these countries used to act as de facto government ministers and used to advise political leaders and influence national policies. Militarism during that time not only affected policies but also shaped culture, the media and public opinion (Herwig 2014). It is also true that as a result of militarism the environment of negotiation or diplomacy was ruined. Powerful countries started to believe that war is the best way of resolving international issues and challenges. Therefore, it can be easily observed that Militarism was in fact one of the major reasons of World War I.
It has been observed that, prior to the World War I; the European countries were delved into making alliances for long twenty years. The major purpose of these alliances was promoting peace between these countries (Strachan 2014). The general idea was any nation would not attack other nation as the allied countries would protect their fellow partners at the time of war. However, in real scenario, any diplomatic conflict between two nations was capable of drawing both of the alliances into fight. The major alliances, which have been formed in the eve of World War I, were The treaty of London (1839), The Three Emperor’s League (1873), The Dual Alliance (1879), The Triple Alliance (1882), The Franco-Russian Alliance (1894), The Entente Cordiale (1904), The Anglo-Russian Entente (1907) as well as The Triple Entente (1907) (Todman 2014). These alliances gradually made the plot of World War I, as every nation was interconnected with their shared interest and conflict. Therefore, any major diplomatic move had the capability to formulate entire world politics and military power into two enemy formations (Wilkinson 2014). This way these alliances have created greater complexity and tension throughout the world politics. Therefore, it can be easily observe that the alliance was a serious contributor in World War I.
Conclusion:
The above-described research project has been successful to find out the main reason behind World War I. The study has successfully selected four major hypotheses, which are considered as the most influential reasons for the First World War. In this context, literature review has been able to provide a detailed understanding on four hypotheses or rather four key independent variables. Moreover, literature review has been highly imperative for offering critical knowledge and skills for conducting this particular research project. The research project has successfully identified four independent variables from the hypotheses, which are imperialism, nationalism, militarism as well as alliance. The project has selected case study analysis for testing the formulated hypothesis. The case studies have been selected on the basis of independent variables. The project has been able to determine that the imperialism, nationalism, militarism as well as alliance have effectively influenced to start the First World War. Therefore, it can be easily concluded that the major reasons of First World War are Imperialistic conflict, Rising Militarism, Expansion of Nationalism and Alliance.
References
Falls, C., 2014. The First World War. Pen and Sword.
Furedi, F., 2014. First World War: Still no end in sight. A&C Black.
Grayzel, S.R., 2014. Women’s Identities at War: Gender, Motherhood, and Politics in Britain and France during the First World War. UNC Press Books.
Hart, B.L., 2014. A History of the First World War. Pan Macmillan.
Herwig, H.H., 2014. The First World War: Germany and Austria-Hungary 1914-1918. A&C Black.
Hewitson, M., 2014. Germany and the causes of the First World War. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Mombauer, A., 2013. The origins of the First World War: controversies and consensus. Routledge.
Panayi, P., 2014. Enemy in our midst: Germans in Britain during the First World War. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Robb, G., 2014. British Culture and the First World War. Palgrave Macmillan.
Strachan, H., 2014. The Oxford Illustrated History of the First World War: New Edition. Oxford University Press.
Todman, D., 2014. The Great War: myth and memory. A&C Black.
Wilkinson, A., 2014. The Church of England and the First World War. Lutterworth Press.
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