How Did Imperialism Cause Ww1

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Many factors led to the brutal conflict that was WW1, the most notable being Imperialism,

Militarism, and the Alliance System. The assignation of Archduke Franz Ferdinand also contributed to

the war, but was more of a catalyst than a major cause. With tensions coming to a climax, the Triple

Entente, which consisted of the United Kingdom, Russia, and France, entered a war to fight the Triple

Alliance which consisted of Austria –Hungary, Germany, and Italy (Document A). What unfolded was

not a “romantic” war, but a bloody disaster.

Imperialism can be described as Britain’s tyranny, oppression, and exploitation inflicted upon

other countries. Germany soon grew tired of the oppression, to the extent that they published a cartoon

entitled:
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Germans felt that they were used and not rewarded for their labor. As

their hate grew for England, war erupted.

Militarism was another factor that led to the Great War. The chart, located in document C,

provides a visual representation of the extent to which the countries involved in World War One had

begun to build their armies and navies in the years preceding the war. It is clearly seen that the United

Kingdom had the largest navy; Germany viewed this as another way Britain used their power to unjustly

rule other countries. Germany has focused more in constructing a strong army rather than a navy.

Prudence would have me to note that it was necessary for the United Kingdom to have a massive navy

because of their marooned position. Nevertheless, Germany took this as a threat and counteracted by

forming a substantial military force.

The final factor that led to The War of the Nations was the alliance system. Document A provides

a map showing the alliances held between the countries. Due to their landlocked position, Germany

created an alliance with Austria- Hungary and Italy, forming the Triple Alliance. In response, the United

Kingdom, France, and Russia formed the Triple Entente, an alliance between their countries.