Ww1 Causes

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WWI Essay: What were the main causes of WWI?
In 1914, tensions in Europe were on the rise, and German ambitions backed by the Triple Alliances, and nationalism were the most significant issues that caused WWI to occur. Before the Great War broke out, nations in Europe were prospering, and countries were acquiring new land that helped them grow their economy and spark revolutionary ideas. The need to look strong and powerful by spreading world influence through land consumption was more prevalent than ever and the idea of imperialism skyrocketed. After a while, land dried up, and Germany, a country who was in need of land, was left with only one option. She had to take the territories of other nations if she ever wanted to gain international
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Each side believed that they had the better military, culture and land, which eventually fostered the ideas of nationalism. In the 2oth century, nationalism continued to plague Europe, tensions ran high, and war looked like the only option in telling which counties was the strongest. In chapter 2 in the reading, World War I, the author tells us, “There was bound to be war before long but it was not something to worry about since it too would be short, sharp and glorious for the victor. Such an attitude to war encourage the fierce nationalism which had taken deep root in Europe by 1914.” (Unknown, 49) Before the Great War broke out, wars were usually quick, and for the victor, it was glorious and empowering and gave every nation proof that the winning country is to be honored and respected. The controversy over nationalism was equally prevalent in European society, and in the reading Nations Quarrel, the author shows us this depiction when he states, “Whether considered to be a political philosophy or it contrary, a type of mass delirium, nationalism was ambivalent… Nationalism was hating some as an expression of loving others.” (Unknown, 97) The Triple Alliance and Entente defined the values of nationalism differently, which made them love each other and hate the enemy. In the case of the Great War, nationalism only provoked the two sides to become more involved in defeating one another, making it the straw that broke the camels back in sparking the Great