Germany’s action and mistakes played a significant role in the outbreak of WWI. While their actions around the time were significant including their quest for nationalism, the strong systems of alliances and the military plans put in place by Germany, they are not totally to blame. Other countries actions such as England, Serbia and Russia must also take some responsibility for the outbreak of WWI. Extreme nationalism was a potentially explosive force around the early twentieth century; it was the cause of many quarrels between Germany and France, and eventually became a driving force for Germany to act upon France at the beginning of WWI. Many people were eager to take any action to further their own nation and were even ready to start wars to promote their nations interests.
This telegraph which showed a potential alliance about to be formed between Mexico and Germany eventually became the deciding factor that led them to the war. This was a significant threat to the geographical position of Mexico. This led to America being forced to act as it was also a direct violation of the Monroe Doctrine and it was a direct threat to US citizens so the US. These events both had severe potential consequences from Mexico and Germany to America’s trade and security so it had no choice but to go to war. There were also economic reasons.
The First World War was one of the largest conflicts that the world has ever seen; there is much dispute over who was really to blame for the start of World War One. Naturally, the blame traditionally falls to the Germans, but were they really to blame for escalating the conflict that was already turning global with Russia mobilizing their army and being ready to help Serbia? The reasons for Germany wanting to start a war were mainly their jealousy of Britain’s Empire and wealth. They were also feeling threatened by France and Russian on its eastern and western borders. Germany had to either get involved in the war and be on the front foot against France and Russia, or they could wait until they were attacked and be unprepared.
In the “Year of Revolution” many of the countries that made up the European empire rose up against the Habsburgs, Germany, and Italy were left as divided states, but strong nationalist movements and revolutions led unification of Italy in 1861, and Germany in 1871. Nationalism posed a problem for Austria-Hungary, because it was one of the areas that were comprised of many conflicting national groups. Another factor which contributed to the increase in rivalry in Europe was Imperialism. Germany, Great Britain, and France needed foreign markets after the increase in manufacturing caused by the Industrial Revolution. Severe chaos following the war involved the clash of Germany against Britain and France.
The nature of fascism itself was very aggressive and linked to the rise of dictatorships also increased the idea of revenge and violence. Germany and Italy also dealt with the economic crisis in 1929 in an aggressive way. And the fact that the League of Nations should ensure peace in the world and it was weak and failed facing Germany and Italy aggression let both countries became even more powerful and aggressive. One of the reasons for the German and Italian aggressive foreign policy was The Paris Peace Settlement, which was created to punish Germany. Nobody was happy with it and Italy and Germany wanted revenge.
The foreign powers attempted to disunite the confederacy, primarily through boundary disputes and treaty violations. By "attacking" the United States' at its most vulnerable state, these foreign powers were able to expand their influence in North America and essentially bully the country. Due to the costly expenses of the Revolution, and despite the American's work-ethic and abundance of resources, the country entered into an economic depression. There was an increasing amount of state and individual debt, and a growing amount of domestic discontent by the working class. This depression further divided the American states into those who were debtors, and those who were creditors.
But in a more general way, the nationalism of the various countries throughout Europe contributed not only to the beginning but the extension of the war in Europe. Each country tried to prove their dominance and power. Although the European Alliances were certainly a cause of WWI, there were many other causes as well. Along with the European Alliances there was Nationalism, Imperialism, Militarism, and of course the physical conflicts leading up to the
They have larger area and long range to fight. it was difficult for U.S because the Germans were hiding in the buildings and used tanks and stuff. The American soldiers had to live in the foxholes. The soldiers had not enough ammo and clothing. The soldiers felt depression because their friends dead in front of them.
For example, a very prominent factor in the starting of war is the want of power. Take for instance the Roman Empire, they set out to conquer the world because they wanted to gain power and expand their empire so they had control over a vast number of countries. Wars can be started in many different ways, however in some circumstances, it is not extremely different from robbery. This other country has something that another country wants, so they take it from them. This ‘something’ could be anything from land, resources and people for slavery etc.
Economic rivalries soured international atmosphere. Germany’s growing economic and military powerhouse Britain felt threatened. Germany feared Russia would catch up with their huge population, vast supply of natural resources. Militarism glorified military fed arms face. Young men dreamed of hero.