This policy, along with Wilhelm ll’s decision to create a colonial empire, caused rivalry between the major European powers, particularly Britain. In the 19th century colonialism was very popular as major European powers tried to increase their territory, resources and power. By the 20th century the British Empire had 1/4 of the world’s land surface which gave them trade opportunities and transport advantages (McCallum and Ringer, 2005, p237). Wilhelm ll, with a nation only thirty years old, wanted an empire but had missed out on the overseas colonies such as India and Nigeria which belonged to Britain. Germany’s new colonies in China and Africa made Britain concerned.
Russia also prospered from a long awaited growth in industry. CZARS/ AUTOCRACIES During the 19th century, Russia was ruled by autocrats, or czars, who ruled with absolute power. Their individual philosophies affected the history and culture of the vast empire. Alexander I was the first czar of the 19th century. He came into power during the Napoleonic Wars, and is most remembered for his involvement in these wars and his sudden change from an active liberal ruler to a more moderate czar.
Many Americans believe that God give them the power and duty to expand territory, strengthen the United States. The motivation of United States launched this war is a debatable subject. The origin and influence The term Manifest Destiny was popular in the 19th century, some Americans believed they had the destiny to expand American continent Territory, from the Atlantic coast to Pacific Ocean. The ideal of territory expansion is already had before the American Independence, but in 1845, The United States Magazine and Democratic Review editor John O'Sullivan published an essay “Annexation”. “…our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions”[2] This essay reveal John O'Sullivan claim United States had a destiny expansion .
For example the Triple alliance was made up of the central powers which where Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. In response the triple Entente was formed, made up of the Allies which where France, Russia and Great Britain (Doc A). The triple Entente had been rapidly increasing their armed forces spending in total over 200 million pounds which is roughly 350 million dollars (Doc C), this made Germany and its allies even more paranoid in fear of being attacked beginning an arms race (OI). Militarism also played a vital role in the amount of confidence a nation had, countries would spend vast amounts of money on their military forces to intimidate their enemies to avoid being dominated because when weaker nations heard about the large scale of funds being spent to better their enemies army it intimidated them. All these tensions in Europe between very powerful nations led up to WW1.
Empires were expensive to build and to defend, and the growth of nationalism and imperialism led to increased military spending. By 1890 the strongest nation on the European continent was Germany, which had set up an army reserve system that drafted and trained young men. Countries alike developed this system, always relying on their navy for defense and protection. Lastly, by 1907 there were two major defense alliances in Europe. The Triple Entente, later known as the Allies, consisted of France, Britain, and Russia.
Then, after McKinley declared war upon the Spanish in 1889, America could use imperialism to gain land and power in the world. America declared war on Spain in April 1889, not to gain land, but to assist Cuba in gaining its independence. Only later into the war, it realized how it can benefit through imperialism. The newly acquired land increased America’s resources and gave them new countries to trade with and worked as an advantage for the U.S. military as well. Turner believed that the idea of the frontier shaped the American being and their characteristics.
American Imperialism in the Nineteenth Century As a growing nation, the United States felt the need to continue expansion for the benefit of all citizens. Territorial development allows for growth in population and natural resources to produce goods and supply services for prosperity. To acquire or control territories, forcible means would sometimes be used, otherwise known as imperialism. This paper will describe imperialism more intently. Advantages of imperialism will be discussed, as well as some of the disadvantages.
World war one has many causes, but it can be proved that three of them are of equal values. These three causes are Nationalism, Militarism, and alliances. The second round of Industrialization started in the nineteenth century and spread around the world, and later resulted in arms race. It all started in 1650 when the corporation was invented. People would invest in corporations to benefit from the profit that the corporation was making.
The effects of the war included 8.5 million deaths, higher taxes, rationing of food and other products, a propaganda war, and famine. Imperialist rivalry is considered a primary cause of war, with Europe's growing economic status and wealth, rivalries and competition for colonies among European nations were becoming more prevalent which ultimately led to unrest. Before WW1, Europe was in a state of growing prosperity and peace, it's wealth rested on its industrial strength and its domination of the rest of the world. By 1900's European powers were in control of most of Africa and Asian and also other continents, showing strong ideas of imperialism. While imperialism showcased European strength, it also revealed a basic dependency.
In 1870s, the German Emperor William I knew that the iron resource would be the most vital resources in the Arms-Race, therefore he waged the Franco-Prussian War against the France. After victory and annexation, Alsace-Lorraine provided a growth of military power to the German Empire and made it winning the Arms-Race between the European great powers. The German Empire was emboldened by his military power and then waged the World War I. Typically, war becomes intertwined with the resource and many wars are partially or entirely based on resource reasons when the country wants a growth of comprehensive national