Source W is very similar due to the fact that it blames Germany’s strengthening of the military and navy to a large extent, however proclaims their ‘peaceful intentions’; whereas source X dwarfs Germany’s contributions as a state, placing more responsibility for the outbreak of war on Austria-Hungary. Even though I believe that aggressive German Foreign policy was a huge and significant factor as to why the war grew so much geographically and became so violent, like source X, I believe that the real cause of the outbreak of the war in 1914 was Austria-Hungary and their policies in the Balkans. Aggressive German foreign policy is considered by many historians the main cause of the outbreak of war in 1914 due to their military and naval expansion which had taken place since the early 1900s. As source V suggests, the Germans ‘felt encircled’ by members of the triple entente, their only ally being revealed as Austria-Hungary at the Algeciras Conference where they were the only other country (aside from Morocco) to vote in their favour. Germany’s relations with other Great Powers had started to deteriorate since the battle for expansion of
The United States was an alley with Russia so therefore, they wanted to protect China as well. The U.S. was upset at the threat to their allies but they also realized that the Japanese were violating the Kellogg-Briand Pact of 1928. Resulting from this, the U.S. threatens that if Japan does not leave China, they will have no choice but to stop trading oil with them. Japan declined the threat and continued to take over
This could be noted with the US not joining the League of Nations. So on September 1931 Japan invaded Manchuria and renamed it Manchuko, establishing a puppet government. Even though the League of Nations is set up to take action against barefaced assault they did nothing except give Japan a slap on the wrist with passing a resolution condemning Japan for its actions. With this failure to do anything it showed this the League of Nations problem with trying to keep peace, it’s nearly impossible without the world’s super power. This showed the world that the actions of this group should not be taken seriously.
These influenced the war majorly and were the main explanation to why large quantities of countries were prepared for it when it took place in 1914. Alliances were long term reasons to the break out of WW1. They were agreements between 2 or more countries that enabled them to support each other when vital. Although alliances were meant to keep Europe at peace as both of the two key alliances were almost as prevailing as each other, there was a considerable amount of tension and competition between them. There were two dominant alliances in Europe and they were the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente.
(Vat) After that, Japan continued its naval expansion after World War I. Looking at Japans success; Great Britain and United States realized that the Japanese Navy could threaten their interests. In order to preserve their goals, they came up with The Washington Naval Treaty. This Treaty placed restrictions on the tonnage of battleships, aircraft carriers, and cruisers that Japan could build in relation to those of the United States and Britain (Willmott). The United States argued that they had naval commitments outside of the Pacific, so the Japanese would effectively have equal
What exactly is imperialism? Imperialism happens when a stronger nation feels it is obligated to take over a weaker nation, or region, in order to control it politically, economically, and culturally. This practice also became important to growing nations to gain land, labor, and raw materials for the betterment and strengthening of the country. This type of foreign policy was mostly practiced by European nations and Japan, but the United States also began to join in imperialistic thoughts once it became a world power. Imperialism can also be known as colonialism.
At the beginning of World War I America attempted to stay neutral and focus on asserting their dominance throughout the western hemisphere, but as the war progressed it became clearer that America wanted and needed to enter the war. While many things had a profound impact on America’s entrance into WWI, American economic interests, Woodrow Wilson’s idealism, and American claim to world power, weighed heavily on the final decision to declare war on Germany. War provides a great opportunity for economic and industrial growth, a chance to change, and claim world power, as long as the country wins the war. American economic benefits of the war were not as prominent a factor as others, but nevertheless it did affect America’s decision to declare war. The economic side effects of entering a war can be beneficial to a country.
World War 2 & Hitler Nationalism was a large part of the second world war. Hitler wanted to achieve the status he desired for Germany, and there for he displayed multiple forms of ultranationalism. I agree with Margret MacMillan that Hitler would have always wanted more power no matter what happened, but I do not agree that the Treaty of Versailles had no effect on world war two. The Treaty of Versailles had a direct impact on the second world war, without Hitler violating the treaty Britain would not have declared war in 1939 kick-starting the second world war. I agree with Margret MacMillan that Hitler would want to gain more power no matter what happened.
His powerful speech was influential and enabled the German public to feel more optimistic within the war as well as regime. Another reason why the Nazis proclaimed to total war was because Hitler was keen on establishing Germany as a strong nation. The defeats
I disagree with the statement “ Increased militarism was the main cause of the second world war.” Due to the fact that it was one of the many reasons why the second world war started. I think that Appeasement was the main cause of the start of the second world war. Firstly , Britain and France followed the policy of appeasement. Appeasement was by chamberlain to satisfy Hitler’s demands. This gave Hitler confidence that Britain and France would not stop him when he invaded other countries.