Assess the significance for the development of World War 1 drawing upon the
following: nationalism, imperialism, and militarism .
In the summer of 1914, one of the greatest wars known to the world originated as a result
of several significant global and political issues. This war resulted in the death of ¼ of the
world’s population and significant geographical, economical, and political changes to nearly
the whole of Europe. Prior to 1914, there had been tension growing between the European
powers caused namely by nationalism, imperialism, and militarism. These factors were the
long term and main causes that led to the outbreak of this infamous war. Events such as the
Moroccan Crisis along with the Balkan wars and naval races were great components in the
growing strain between the European powers. Thus, the events concerning nationalism,
imperialism, and militarism prior to 1914 were the predominant causes to growing tension
amongst European powers and the inevitable outbreak of World War 1.
One of the most significant and well-known factors that contributed to the origination of
World War 1 was nationalism. This concept essentially meant extreme patriotic pride and love
for one’s country. This idea contributed to the growing tension between European powers
prior to 1914 and ultimately was the short term “spark” that initially commenced the war. One
of the greatest events that nationalistically contributed to the pressure between European
powers was the First Balkan War. Throughout Europe at this time, a new ideal swept the
nations: Pan-Slavism. This was a nationalistic movement to unite all Slavs, which was
especially prominent in Serbia. The Slavs desired freedom from the Byzantine, Ottoman, and
Austro-Hungarian Empires, of whom were reluctant to give up their power. Russia supported
this movement and encouraged an alliance between Serbia, Greece, and Montenegro, which
eventually led to the creation of the Balkan Alliance. By this time, Austria-Hungary was
gaining apprehension about the Slavic growing power. In 1912, the First Balkan war broke out
with Serbia, Greece, and Montenegro fighting against Turkey, disadvantaged at the time since
Turkey had just suffered a war with Italy. This resulted in victory for the Slavic regions and
horror for Austria-Hungary.
Austria-Hungary feared Serbia’s increasing power hence Austrian generals called for war.
However, there remained the risk of Russia supporting its ally, Serbia, in which case the war
would develop into a considerably larger war. Thus, a peace conference was called in
London, which resulted in the division of former Turkish states between the Balkan states.
Nevertheless, Austria-Hungary still managed to retain Serbia under their power by creating
Albania, which was located between Serbia and the Adriatic Sea. This persistence in control
over Serbia further strengthened the growing animosity between Austria-Hungary and Serbia.
It was through this tension that inevitably led to the crucial willingness of both countries to go
to war and fight against each other. Serbia desperately wanted to gain independence, a
This study source was downloaded by 100000842568006 from CourseHero.com on 05-10-2022 02:02:37 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/10354357/history-essay-WWI/
following: nationalism, imperialism, and militarism .
In the summer of 1914, one of the greatest wars known to the world originated as a result
of several significant global and political issues. This war resulted in the death of ¼ of the
world’s population and significant geographical, economical, and political changes to nearly
the whole of Europe. Prior to 1914, there had been tension growing between the European
powers caused namely by nationalism, imperialism, and militarism. These factors were the
long term and main causes that led to the outbreak of this infamous war. Events such as the
Moroccan Crisis along with the Balkan wars and naval races were great components in the
growing strain between the European powers. Thus, the events concerning nationalism,
imperialism, and militarism prior to 1914 were the predominant causes to growing tension
amongst European powers and the inevitable outbreak of World War 1.
One of the most significant and well-known factors that contributed to the origination of
World War 1 was nationalism. This concept essentially meant extreme patriotic pride and love
for one’s country. This idea contributed to the growing tension between European powers
prior to 1914 and ultimately was the short term “spark” that initially commenced the war. One
of the greatest events that nationalistically contributed to the pressure between European
powers was the First Balkan War. Throughout Europe at this time, a new ideal swept the
nations: Pan-Slavism. This was a nationalistic movement to unite all Slavs, which was
especially prominent in Serbia. The Slavs desired freedom from the Byzantine, Ottoman, and
Austro-Hungarian Empires, of whom were reluctant to give up their power. Russia supported
this movement and encouraged an alliance between Serbia, Greece, and Montenegro, which
eventually led to the creation of the Balkan Alliance. By this time, Austria-Hungary was
gaining apprehension about the Slavic growing power. In 1912, the First Balkan war broke out
with Serbia, Greece, and Montenegro fighting against Turkey, disadvantaged at the time since
Turkey had just suffered a war with Italy. This resulted in victory for the Slavic regions and
horror for Austria-Hungary.
Austria-Hungary feared Serbia’s increasing power hence Austrian generals called for war.
However, there remained the risk of Russia supporting its ally, Serbia, in which case the war
would develop into a considerably larger war. Thus, a peace conference was called in
London, which resulted in the division of former Turkish states between the Balkan states.
Nevertheless, Austria-Hungary still managed to retain Serbia under their power by creating
Albania, which was located between Serbia and the Adriatic Sea. This persistence in control
over Serbia further strengthened the growing animosity between Austria-Hungary and Serbia.
It was through this tension that inevitably led to the crucial willingness of both countries to go
to war and fight against each other. Serbia desperately wanted to gain independence, a
This study source was downloaded by 100000842568006 from CourseHero.com on 05-10-2022 02:02:37 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/10354357/history-essay-WWI/
